FAQ

Cabot has a proven record of environmental stewardship. In 2018, Cabot was first certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf, an award-winning international environmental education and certification program. We were recertified in 2022, having met environmental management standards in the areas of Site Assessment/Environmental Planning; Wildlife and Habitat Management; Chemical Use Reduction and Safety; Water Conservation; and Water Quality Management. Only 78 courses in Canada have achieved this certification.

Cabot is proactively mitigating coastal dune erosion, a naturally occurring phenomenon in Cape Breton. At its current courses, Cabot transplants marram grass to help hold the sand dunes in place. Research has shown that seeding and stabilization will help sustain sand dunes.  Measures like this will help prevent erosion at West Mabou Beach, strengthening our coastline and protecting the habitat for birds that nest in this area.

Cabot conducts annual water testing, ensures best management practices near all bodies of water, and implements generous shoreline buffer zones to ensure the health of waters and wildlife.

In 2018, Cabot was recognized by the Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf, which is an award-winning, internationally-recognized environmental education and certification program. Only 4% of Canada’s golf courses have achieved this certification. This program helps courses protect the environment, enhance natural areas and wildlife, and minimize impacts of golf course operations.

Cabot undertakes leading turf management practices. We use a drought-tolerant fescue grass which is durable and can co-exist with wildlife, reducing the need for applied products. If required, the application of approved products is targeted and localized to ward off pest populations. Wildlife is not negatively affected by any management practices on the golf course

Cabot is committed to protecting the local wildlife habitats at and around its properties and is also intent on increasing wildlife and biodiversity on all three golf courses. For example, in Inverness, Cabot installed nesting boxes for local birds and uses indigenous plant material for landscaping. Further, we take ongoing measures to protect and enhance the dunes system which creates natural habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Cabot uses the latest technology to help us make informed decisions on water use. We have a weather station that collects data, which we use to inform our decisions. Regular irrigation auditing is performed to ensure efficiency of our irrigation system, and most of our irrigation is predominately performed with a hand watering hose, allowing for efficient and targeted watering.

Cabot is envisioning an 18-hole course.

There is no plan to develop the West Mabou site beyond an 18-hole links golf course and a small office/club house building. A restaurant and accommodations are not part of the plan. Cabot is committed to reducing our footprint on the land as much as possible.

The public will continue to have access to the Provincial Park. Cabot will be investing in improving the current access infrastructure, making the beach more accessible and well-maintained for all to enjoy. Should the project move forward, Cabot will dedicate resources to improving and maintaining existing public trails.

Yes, the public will continue to have access to the beautiful hiking and walking trails at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. Should the project move forward, Cabot will dedicate resources to improving and maintaining existing public trails.

Cabot gives back to the local community in multiple ways, including direct grants, sponsorships, volunteer hours, and programs to make golf more accessible to everyone. As part of our vision for Mabou, we are also proposing direct annual investments in several local organizations: Mabou and District Community Development Association, Mabou Athletic Commission, West Mabou Development Association, Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, and the Mabou Gaelic & Historical Society. This would provide additional support for the people of the community, its infrastructure, and its goals for the future.

Cabot is committed to being a good neighbour and is proud to support local communities. Cabot has a strong record of supporting the many community organizations that contribute to Inverness County and Cape Breton Island and that support will continue—and grow. Cabot is a proud partner with United Way Cape Breton and has raised over $89,000 in support of impactful community programs.

This support includes numerous donations and sponsorships to local groups and organizations including the Inverness Development Association, the Inverness Community Food Bank, the Inverness Garden Club, and the Mill Road Social Enterprises.

In addition, Cabot sponsors a Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) scholarship program that provides financial assistance for up to two students per year as well as work experience and one season of full-time employment.

Cabot launched its Cabot Cares program, where employees can volunteer hours while being paid their regular salary or wage. This has been a benefit to local community organizations who are actively recruiting volunteers.

During peak season, Cabot Cape Breton employs approximately 500 people in the surrounding area. The addition of another course in Mabou will increase employment opportunities.

Cabot’s Junior Golf Nomination Program offers free Cabot Junior Camp registration for up to 16 children from the local community annually.

Cabot is a proud sponsor of the annual Black Lives Matter Golf Tournament in Nova Scotia. Cabot also hosts a free, two-day Junior Mentorship Program for local BIPOC youth in partnership with Black Lives Matter Golf which includes age-appropriate discussions on the issue of racial discrimination, as well as instruction in all areas of the game, including etiquette and sportsmanship.