A group trying to stop the construction of a massive war memorial proposed for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park has hit another road block.

A group called The Friends of Green Cove knows time is running out, but members say they're not giving up yet.

Green Cove is a spectacular spot that has been featured in more than a few homemade tourism videos, and for good reason: it's nearly impossible to take a bad picture there. But some fear that could change.

For months now, debate has raged over a proposed war memorial, called Mother Canada, which some are calling a fitting tribute to Canada's fallen soldiers. Others say it would be nothing less than a monstrosity.

The Friends of Green Cove are in the latter category, and they're not particularly happy about news they got from Parks Canada Sunday.

“They've refused our request for an extension of the deadline for the public to comment on this draft impact analysis to do with the Mother Canada project,” said group member Sean Howard. “We are bitterly disappointed.”

Sunday was the deadline for public input on the statue, and the group – which is made up of scientists, activists and local residents – was hoping for an extension.

In an email, Parks Canada field unit supervisor Blair Pardy said: “Every project undergoes careful environmental review, as ecological integrity is a priority for Parks Canada. A 14-day review period is within the standard range for projects of this scale.”

The group argues the proposed memorial goes against Parks Canada's mandate to protect natural rarities like the famed rocks at Green Cove.

Elke Ibrahim moved to Cape Breton from Europe more than 40 years ago because of the island's natural beauty.

“It will ruin it completely, forever. As soon as they start with the first spade or first bulldozer, that's already the beginning of the ruination,” Ibrahim said. “It must be stopped immediately. It's unacceptable.”

Sean Howard says Parks Canada has a proven track record in environmental impact assessment, but when it comes to this project, he says the department dropped the ball.

“We've had environmental impact analysis experts from the region tell us that this should probably never have come even to this point,” he said. “It should have been a non-starter on the basis of Parks Canada’s mandate.”

The Friends of Green Cove has asked Parks Canada to hold a public meeting where people can state their views on the project.

In an email, Parks Canada said it has already participated in two community meetings regarding the project.

“We don't know how long we’ve got,” said Howard. “Parks Canada hasn't told us how long they will take to make a final decision, but we know from the report if they accept it. The most destructive part of the work will begin this autumn, and we'll lose Green Cove by Christmas.”

For now the group says it will hold a public meeting on the issue, whether Parks Canada is involved or not.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore