By this winter, a new seafood market being built at Glooscap Landing in Hantsport in the Annapolis Valley is expected to be open.
Glooscap Ventures, the investment arm of Glooscap First Nation, broke ground on its latest portfolio company on July 31. The development marks a critical step in Glooscap First Nation’s long-term plan to strengthen its own-source revenues through Nation-owned businesses.
“This market is part of Glooscap’s asset-backed investment strategy. Each project builds on the last, moving us step by step toward full supply chain ownership. By harvesting seafood, processing it and now selling it directly through our own retail market, we are keeping more of the value in the community. These investments create good jobs, generate stable revenue and build financial security for future generations,” said Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures.
Once open, the market is expected to create 10 full-time jobs, along with 20 part-time positions. The market will also provide residents of the Annapolis Valley with much-needed access to local, fresh and affordable seafood.
“This seafood market shows how serious we are about building a stronger future for our community,” said Chief Sidney Peters. “The revenue it brings in helps us take care of what matters: putting roofs over our families, supporting our young people in school and making sure our community has what it needs. This is how we look after each other. This is how we build a future our grandchildren can be proud of.”
The new market is being built by Kluskap Lindsay Construction, a joint venture between Lindsay Construction and Glooscap Ventures. The partnership is an intentional move to accelerate investment and drive growth within Glooscap First Nation.
“This market expansion is the latest step in our broader investment strategy,” said Peters. “By aligning our construction, seafood and market operations, we are creating a more resilient business model that generates long-term value. Our focus continues to be on making smart investments that will deliver results for the community today and build financial security for the future.”
While many local suppliers will be involved in stocking the market, the majority of the market offerings will be sourced from Glooscap Seafood, another Nation-owned business. Glooscap Seafood harvests, processes and sells Atlantic Canadian seafood out of its Yarmouth Bar facility. In addition to seafood, the market will offer fresh produce, deli meats and an assortment of baked goods. Seafood selections will include live and frozen lobster, tuna, halibut, haddock, smoked fish, clams and scallops.
Located at Exit 8A on Highway 101, Glooscap Landing opened its first business facility in the spring of 2018, an Esso gas station and Tim Hortons coffee shop. The 26-acre plot of land is being developed in three phases.
Peters said Glooscap Landing has become a popular stop in the Annapolis Valley, with several businesses open and steady traffic through the site.
“We are also adding more parking at Glooscap Landing to meet growing demand,” he said.
