Winston Gamblin, affectionately known as “Winnie,” has been a cornerstone of the Village of Harvey for decades. In 1986, he became the owner of the historic WWE Smith Country Store, a beloved local institution. Having moved to Harvey with his family in 1987, Winston quickly established himself as not just a business owner, but as a dedicated community partner. Under his stewardship, the store has maintained its traditional charm while evolving to meet the needs of the community. Today, it offers local produce, crafts, jams, giftware, sporting goods, and Harvey-branded merchandise, while also serving as a lost and found repository, drop-off center, and meat-cutting service. In 2023, Winston took a significant environmental step by eliminating plastic bags from the store, reinforcing his commitment to sustainable practices. Remarkably, the store still operates a manual charge account system, preserving the personal touch that has kept it at the heart of Harvey life.
Winston’s impact extends far beyond his business. He served as Mayor of the Village of Harvey for an impressive 25 years, from 1997 to 2022, guiding the community through pivotal developments. His leadership saw the installation and upgrading of the village’s wastewater system, extending service to homes around Harvey Lake, even those outside the village limits. He also oversaw the removal of an environmental hazard — the old sawdust pile beside Harvey Lake — demonstrating his enduring commitment to environmental stewardship. Always supportive of local initiatives, Winston’s store often served as a collection point for community membership dues, merchandise sales, and more. His contributions were recently recognized by the Harvey Community Network for his longstanding support of Harvey Community Days.
Beyond Harvey, Winston’s leadership extended regionally. He served as:
• President of the Harvey Lions Club
• President of Enterprise Central, a regional economic development agency
• Vice-Chair of the River Valley Health Board
• Board member for Canadian Business Development Southwest
• Board member of the Mactaquac Country Chamber of Commerce
• Board member of the New Brunswick Southwest Regional Services Commission
A tireless advocate for environmental sustainability, improved health care, and public safety, Winston has also found time to engage in provincial and federal political initiatives. Throughout his life and career, he has demonstrated that true leadership lies not just in holding office, but in being an active, compassionate, and forward-thinking community partner.
Today, descendants of the WWE Smith Country Store’s original owner still shop there, a testament to the legacy Winston Gamblin has helped nurture and preserve. His enduring spirit continues to embody the very heart of the Village of Harvey.