A First Nation in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley has unveiled a new marketplace to support its local fishermen and vendors in connecting with the community. Glooscap Ventures’ CEO, Michael Peters, shared that the concept originated during a 2015 community engagement session near Windsor, N.S., where the community expressed a desire for a nearby market.
After more than a decade of planning, Kluskap Market had a soft launch in July followed by an official opening last Sunday. Peters emphasized the significance of self-determination, highlighting that the generated revenues and profits remain within the local community rather than being directed elsewhere.
Tammy Belanger, a band member and owner of Greenleaf Enterprises in Wilmot, N.S., praised the market as a valuable platform for exposure and community support. The market offers a variety of locally sourced products such as fish, shellfish, fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal items including clothing, beauty products, and preserves.
Peters noted that the market aligns with Glooscap’s vertical integration strategy, where the company controls various stages of its supply chain. Alongside owning fishing vessels, a processing company, and a lobster holding operation, Glooscap now adds Kluskap Market as a retail outlet for its products.
The market partially operates on solar power and intends to fully transition to renewable energy by adding more solar panels on the building’s roof. This initiative is part of Glooscap Energy’s renewable energy projects. Additionally, plans are in place for stalls and a new ice cream vendor to open nearby in 2027, reflecting the market’s potential for expansion based on its success.
