A new market has been launched by a First Nation in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley to provide local fishermen and vendors with a platform to sell their products within the community. Glooscap Ventures’ CEO, Michael Peters, shared that the concept originated during a community engagement session in 2015 near Windsor, N.S., where the community expressed the desire for a local market.
After more than a decade of planning, Kluskap Market had a soft opening in July and an official launch last Sunday. Peters emphasized the market’s focus on self-determination, ensuring that revenues and profits remain within the community rather than being directed elsewhere. Band member Tammy Belanger commended the market as a valuable opportunity for exposure and community support.
The market features a variety of local products, including fish, shellfish, fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, clothing, beauty products, and preserves. Notably, Peters highlighted that the market aligns with Glooscap’s vertical integration strategy, where the company controls various stages of its supply chain.
Furthermore, the market operates partially on solar power and plans to expand its renewable energy usage by installing additional panels on the building’s roof. Nearby stalls for vendors are set to open soon, with an ice cream stall expected to launch in 2027. The building’s design allows for potential expansion based on the market’s success, catering to the growing needs of the community.
Residents like Mike McGinnis from Mount Uniacke have already embraced the market, with McGinnis expressing his intention to return for future visits. The market’s emphasis on local products and community support has garnered positive feedback from both vendors and customers, signaling a promising start for this community-driven initiative.