Advocate Harbour and area has lots to be excited for.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, marked an exciting milestone for the community as the Advocate District Development Association hosted the official unveiling of the new Advocate Community Centre Project.
The $3.4-million capital campaign has been officially launched, following work over the past several months by the development association executive and building designer Kent Harrison of Harrison’s Home Hardware to develop and perfect a building design that reflects the needs, values and future of Advocate Harbour and area.
Countless hours of planning, discussions, dedication and collaboration have gone into bringing this vision one step closer to reality.
The executive is extending a thank-you to Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy, who has supported the initiative from the beginning.
“His willingness to point us in the right direction, offer guidance, provide encouragement and continuously support our vision has meant so much to our organization and our community,” Courtney Morris of the ADDA said. “We also want to sincerely thank everyone who attended the unveiling, our dedicated volunteers, committee members and everyone who continues to believe in this project. Your support is what keeps us moving forward.”
Morris said the celebration at the Advocate District School was about so much more than unveiling a building design.
"It's about unveiling a future for Advocate and area. A future where our children, families, seniors and generations yet to come will have a place to call their own,” she said.It will be a place to gather, connect, learn, celebrate, stay active and build lasting memories. A place that will strengthen our community for generations to come.”
Morris said the organization knows there’s still a journey ahead, adding that the $3.4-million capital campaign will need the continued support of the community, local businesses, volunteers and funding partners to turn this vision into reality.
“No contribution is too small and every bit of support brings us one step closer,” she said. “Tonight was a milestone worth celebrating and one that reminds us of what can be accomplished when a small rural community comes together with a shared vision.”
Mayor Gilroy is congratulating the development association for taking on this ambitious campaign.
“A new community centre is about much more than bricks and mortar. It's about bringing people together, strengthening community connections and creating a place where families, friends and neighbours can gather for generations to come,” the mayor said. “The people of Advocate and the surrounding area have always shown tremendous pride in their community and this project is another example of what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common goal.
“On behalf of council and the Municipality of Cumberland, I congratulate the association and its dedicated volunteers for their vision, determination and commitment to building a stronger future for their community.”
Donations to the project can be made through the Municipality of Cumberland with tax receipts being issued.
The Advocate District Development Association has unveiled the design for the new community centre as part of the launch of a $3.4-million capital campaign on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the Advocate District School.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy is shown with Advocate District Development Association secretary Roxanne Morris, designer Kent Harrison, ADDA president Courtney Morris, ADDA vice-president Carly Cleveland and ADDA treasurer Kelly Marshall following the unveiling of the association’s $3.4-million capital campaign for a new community centre in Advocate Harbour.