HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced that a proposal for a golf course in West Mabou Beach Provincial Park will not move forward. The decision comes after the provincial Department of Natural Resources reviewed the plans submitted by Cabot, a golf course developer. Houston described the proposal as "unreasonable" during a press conference on Thursday.

Cabot had proposed to construct an 18-hole golf course and a golf shop, which would occupy up to 35 percent of the park's land. The park itself spans approximately 2.8 square kilometers and features sand dunes and beaches along the Northumberland Strait. It is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the piping plover and the upswept moonwort fern.

Houston explained that the Department of Natural Resources evaluated the proposal based on several factors, including the extent of parkland requested and the potential benefits for Nova Scotians. He stated, "I think in the end, (DNR) just reached the conclusion the asks were unreasonable or not in the best interests of Nova Scotians."

This marks Cabot's third attempt to secure land in the Mabou park. The company currently operates golf courses in nearby Inverness. Houston did not indicate whether Cabot would consider revising its proposal in the future, saying, "I don’t know what they’re going to do, I just know where we’re at."

The proposal faced significant opposition from community members, including a group called Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. Advocates expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the golf course, particularly given the park's ecological significance.

Opposition Leader Claudia Chender welcomed the decision but criticized the process that led to it. She stated, "(Houston) has put the community through a tremendous amount of turmoil and hardship to yet again flip-flop on this issue that really impacts the community, life, and nature of a community in Nova Scotia — and for what?"

Liberal Party House Leader Iain Rankin also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that community members had planned a rally to oppose the proposal. He suggested that the timing of the announcement was intended to mitigate further political fallout for the premier.

The park's preservation remains a priority for many residents, who are concerned about the potential loss of natural habitat and the impact on local wildlife.