Never have Nova Scotians had to fight for a provincial park more times than they have for West Mabou Beach Provincial Park in Unama'ki/Cape Breton.
Even though it’s already legally protected, West Mabou Beach Provincial Park has been targeted for development by Cabot Golf three times so far. Until the Provincial Parks Act is strengthened, this and other parks will remain vulnerable to wealthy corporate interests, backroom deals and political discretion.
West Mabou Beach Provincial Park at a Glance
West Mabou Beach Provincial Park at a Glance
Known for its spectacular beach, dunes and hiking trails, West Mabou Beach Provincial Park is loved by locals and tourists alike. This provincial park also has one of the very few large, undisturbed coastal dune systems left in the province.
The park is home to at least 18 rare and endangered species, including the endangered piping plover, the endangered bank swallow and the upswept moonwort fern. It also features karst topography, which is unique and especially vulnerable to development. Karst is a distinctive type of terrain that develops over thousands of years as water partially dissolves the bedrock, creating unique features like sinkholes, caves and springs. Its alkaline nature supports specialized plant communities.
The Fight to Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park
The Fight to Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park
Despite the park’s protected status, local communities have had to mobilize three times in the past eight years to keep this public, protected land from being sold or leased to Cabot Golf, which wants to turn part of the park into a golf course.
Cabot Golf has tried to get their hands on this provincial park in 2018, 2022-23 and 2025. In the most recent attempt, a Freedom of Information request revealed that the Houston government agreed to confidentially negotiate with Cabot, allowing them to try and avoid transparency and public scrutiny. 
Thankfully, people all across Nova Scotia spoke up, and Premier Houston eventually told reporters that Cabot's current proposal for a golf course in West Mabou Beach Provincial Park won't proceed.
But this fight isn't over — when asked if he would consider a revised proposal from Cabot, the premier deflected, saying, “I just know where we're at today."
If one park is at risk, they all are
Delisting or allowing private development in West Mabou Beach Provincial Park would set a dangerous precedent for all provincial parks in Nova Scotia. We can’t allow our parks and protected areas to be picked off at the whims of private developers—at a great loss to the communities, local businesses and wild species that depend on them.
Nova Scotians shouldn’t have to keep doing this, but until the government strengthens the Provincial Parks Act, we’ll be stuck fighting the same battles, again and again. This is especially concerning now that Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland said she’s “always open for discussion” about development in parks and protected areas.
These special places deserve to be protected in perpetuity, not just on paper. Together, we can make that happen.
How to Get Involved
How to Get Involved
There are many ways that you can help fight to protect West Mabou Beach Provincial Park and all protected areas in Nova Scotia. See below for some ways to get started!
Make a donation
Click here to donate to the campaign to save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. Your donation will help fund the Save West Mabou Beach sign campaign, communications and critical campaign support.
Get a lawn sign
Get your own Save West Mabou Beach lawn sign! Email savewestmaboubeach@gmail.com to get your sign. You can also volunteer to help distribute lawn signs by emailing lindsay.lee@ecologyaction.ca
Contact your MLA
Contact your MLA and ask them to support strengthening the Provincial Parks Act so we never have to fight this fight again! Click here to find your MLA’s contact information.
Learn more
Learn more by visiting savewestmaboubeach.com