Re-Elect
Margaret Zwart
As the candidate with council experience, Margaret has proven she is able to represent her constituents with respect and accountablity.
For the past 8 years, it has been my privilege and honour to serve as the Local Councillor for Clarington’s Ward 4, representing the communities of Newcastle, Orono, Newtonville, Brownsville, Leskard, Port Granby and the surrounding rural areas. With your support, I would love to do the same for the next 4 years.
WHY MARGARET ZWART?
As former publisher/editor of the local independent newspaper, Margaret is familiar with the issues facing this community. Having covered local council for over 2 decades prior to running for election, Margaret is in a good position to represent Ward 4 at town hall. She is steeped in the community, having worked alongside Ward 4 residents on the many causes important to the area.
Initiatives undertaken this term to improve the lives of Clarington residents:
South Bowmanville Recreation Center
Completing the construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Center which includes a multi-purpose sports dome, indoor walking tracks, multi-sports courts, outdoor refrigerated skating trail and multi-purpose rooms for community programming. Phase 2 of the Center will include a swimming pool and additional multi-purpose rooms for community programming.
Investment Attraction Strategy
Introduced a new Investment Attraction Strategy to help create new jobs which saw 21 new businesses opened in 2025, creating 130 jobs.
Physician Recruitment Program
Invested in a new Physician Recruitments Incentive Program to attract family doctors to the municipality, resulting in 8 new physicians to date practicing in Clarington.
Future Sports & Event Grounds
Secured a 20 hectare parcel of land for future outdoor Sports and Event Grounds.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Approved the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan that will serve as a roadmap to inform future council decisions about Clarington’s parkland, programs and services for the next 10 to 15 years.
New Waterfront Strategy
Approved a new Waterfront Strategy, a vision for Clarington’s 34 kilometres of Lake Ontario waterfront. The goal is to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable waterfront that serves residents, welcomes visitors, and protects the natural environment—now and for generations to come.
Affordable Housing
Secured an Affordable Housing Agreement for Courtice development.
Continuous Improvement
Introduced a continuous improvement program which is on track to net savings of $5 million by the end of the year.
Nuclear File Focus
Additional focus on the nuclear file has brought in an additional $10 million in revenue to the municipality.
Firefighter Recruitment
Approved the hiring of 20 new firefighters.
Stable Tax Rates
Maintained a stable rate of tax increases, the lowest among the Durham Region lakeshore communities.
My positions held prior to election were:
- Publisher/editor of the Orono Weekly Times (1997 – 2018)
- Past Business Improvement Area President
- Founding member of Orono’s Community Collective
- Ontario Community Newspaper Association board director
- Member of the Orono Fair Board
Positions held while in office:
- Member of the Newcastle Community Hall Board
- Member of the Newcastle Arena Board
- Member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee
- Member of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Board
- Council liaison to the Emergency Services Dept.
- Member of the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Advisory Committee
- Alternate Regional Councillor
Council achievements for Ward 4 during this term
- Significant contribution to the development of Marigold Hospice in Newcastle
- Preliminary work is being undertaken for the addition of 2 ice pads at the South Courtice Arena
- Rehabilitation of Newcastle and Orono Arenas
- Completed phase 2 of Newcastle Community Park with ball diamond, outdoor skating rink and pickleball courts.
- Redevelopment of 6 parks in the Ward
- 54k of rural Ward 4 roads rehabilitated.
- Assisting Orono Senior’s Complex in developing new affordable housing units.
Interested in showing your support?
I look forward to representing you in the next 4 years.
I will continue to advocate for the right development in the right place, recognizing the importance of preserving our valuable farmland for food production.
Work towards providing more affordable housing.
Preliminary work is being undertaken for the addition of 2 ice pads at the South Courtice Arena
Support the important small business sector.
I will continue work to champion initiatives that reduce our reliance on greenhouse gasses.
Seek the protection of environmentally sensitive areas while recognizing a farmer’s right to farm their land.
I will continue to be available to my constituents, assist in navigating town hall to resolve issues in a timely manner.
I will continue to champion local causes and assisting our volunteer boards and committees who work tirelessly to make this municipality the best it can be.
I will work to keep tax increases at or near the rate of inflation.