Pugwash Farmers’ Market to get shelter from the storm
News release

Construction of permanent kiosks to improve retail experience for vendors, visitors
March 12, 2018 – Pugwash, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Modern and up-to-date community infrastructure helps connect people to jobs, attracts new business and creates economic growth. The Government of Canada recently invested $59,000 in the Pugwash Farmers Market Cooperative Limited to provide farmers and artisans with a reliable, professional space to sell their products to existing customers and to help attract new clientele.
Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The funding was allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities to develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
The Pugwash Farmers’ Market will build three permanent kiosks, with electrical connections and lights, improving customer experience and preventing service disruptions due to inclement weather. The market, which attracts local and seasonal residents as well as tourists, is an important regional draw for the community, generating significant economic benefits for vendors and area businesses.
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland provided $38,616 and the Pugwash Farmers Market Cooperative Limited raised $20,000 for the project over three years.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians, support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities in a variety of areas, including trade.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada wants all Canadians to enjoy a healthy, prosperous future and we are committed to making investments that matter most to its citizens. By supporting the Pugwash Farmers’ Market, we will help generate sustainable economic activity for area residents and their families, now and in the future.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Smart, targeted investments in community infrastructure help to drive local economic growth and strengthen the middle class. The Pugwash Farmers’ Market draws large numbers of dedicated locals and out-of-area visitors, who regularly spend thousands of dollars at the venue and in area businesses. And with updated facilities, the market will draw more consumers, who will linger longer, and spend more money, at the market, and in the county.”
- Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester
“The Village of Pugwash comes to life every Saturday morning during the farmers’ market season. Jennifer Houghtaling and all the volunteers deserve a lot of credit for making this market a positive gathering place for both vendors and consumers. The Municipality of Cumberland County is pleased to be a contributor of $38,000 and to partner with ACOA, the farmers market and the Village of Pugwash to fund the infrastructure improvements. I feel confident that this project will improve the market and attract more vendors and consumers to Pugwash.”
- Al Gillis, Warden, Municipality of Cumberland
“Projects like these are the cornerstone to any healthy community. The Pugwash Farmers’ Market is a stepping stone for tourism, economy and sustainability to grow here in the village. We are a gathering place of young entrepreneurs, new ideas and community engagement. It is a place to connect with others which makes for stronger community spirit. This infrastructure project will give the members a sense of pride and permanence and allow them to focus on growing their businesses. I believe the benefits will spearhead another level of growth for the market and the community.”
- Jennifer Houghtaling, President of the Board of Directors of the Pugwash Farmers Market Cooperative Limited
Quick facts
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The Pugwash Farmers’ Market, established in 2006, had 45 vendors in 2017.
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The new kiosks are designed to accommodate 32 vendors, though there will be flexibility to house more
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A 2013 economic impact study by Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia revealed that Pugwash Farmers’ Market attracted nearly 1,400 visitors in a single day, who spent a total of nearly $17,000 at the market and $19,000 more in local businesses.
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Vendors come from throughout Cumberland County as well as Tatamagouche, Ontario and Massachusetts. The out-of-province vendors are summer residents.
Associated links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 | 902-880-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Jennifer Houghtaling
President of the Board of Directors
Pugwash Farmers Market Cooperative Limited
Phone: 902- 297-3867
E-mail: jennifer.houghtaling@gmail.com
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