Nova Scotia Minister Upholds Golf Ban, But Open to Land Development Dialogues

Post by : Mina Rahman

Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland of Nova Scotia has asserted her disinterest in permitting a notable golf developer to establish a course within a provincial park in Cape Breton. Nonetheless, she remains open to discussing alternative proposals regarding protected lands.

Masland's remarks have attracted criticism from the Opposition. NDP Leader Claudia Chender indicated that the government is conveying conflicting messages, stating that the minister's position compromises the integrity of protected land by being receptive to development discussions within provincial parks.

Cabot, a prominent golf course developer located in Toronto, has attempted thrice to construct a course at West Mabou Beach. Premier Tim Houston has labeled the proposal as unreasonable and against public interest. Despite potential revisions from Cabot, Masland asserted her lack of interest in the project.

Masland emphasized that being a responsible government entails remaining open to ideas, even those related to protected areas, clarifying that consideration does not equal approval.

When queried on the status of protected land amidst discussions of potential development, Masland affirmed it remains protected regardless of the dialogues. She emphasized that the protective status is unchanged by the mere act of conversation.

Provincial guidelines constitute protected areas as spaces legally managed to promote long-term conservation of natural environments.

Chender criticized the government for holding a contradictory stance—rejecting a golf project in one protected area while allowing proposals for others. She has advocated for stricter legislation to enhance protections for such lands.

Liberal MLA Derek Mombourquette likewise argued that permitting development discussions raises questions about the true protection of these lands, accusing the government of being too prone to reversing conservation policies.

Nova Scotia aims to safeguard 20 percent of its land and water by 2030, having achieved 13.6 percent protection as of July 2024. Earlier this November, the province declared an additional 12.7 square kilometers across 16 parks and wilderness areas would gain protected status.