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Residents Revolt Against Billionaire Golf Course Takeover of Pristine Canadian Coastline
30 Oct
Summary
- Residents fiercely oppose plans to turn public land into private golf club
- Cabot company accused of trying to "buy" community support for project
- West Mabou Beach home to rare, endangered species under threat
In October 2025, residents living near the stunning West Mabou Beach Provincial Park on Canada's Cape Breton island are fiercely opposing plans to turn the public land into a private golf club for the wealthy. The 2.8 square kilometer stretch of sand dunes and hiking trails has long been a beloved natural gem, but now faces threat from the expansion plans of Cabot company.
Mabou resident Katie Beaton, a mother of two, has been at the forefront of the community's resistance. She accuses the "billionaire" developers of "throwing their weight around" and attempting to secretly gain government approval without proper public consultation. Beaton claims Cabot offered local organizations "annual funding" in exchange for publicly supporting the golf course, a proposition she describes as "very uncomfortable."
The proposed development also threatens the habitat of over 12 rare and endangered species, including the piping plover shorebird. Protest groups have been picketing on the beaches, with some residents vowing to "be in front of the bulldozers" to stop the project. Despite the community's vocal opposition, Beaton suspects Cabot has been "working with the government behind closed doors" to push the plans through.
