Margaret Zwart
Councillor · Ward 4 · seen 2019-09-09 to 2026-08-19 · served 2018–2022, 2022–2026
619substantive motions movedof 282 meetings the minutes record them at
170procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
658substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
9meetings recorded absentof 282 they were on the record for
280–137recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample
Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Clarington’s own minutes.
In their own words, via the Town
Margaret Zwart is serving her second term on Clarington Council. Before joining Municipal politics, Margaret was the owner, publisher and reporter at the Orono Weekly Times.
As published by Clarington.
How they voted, where it was recorded (417) — most recent 40 shown
Special Council Meeting August 19, 2026
For · 3–4 · LostThat Report PDS-072-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public and Council with respect to Zoning By-Law Amendment and Draft Plan…
Special Council Meeting August 19, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat the meeting adjourn at 7:58 p.m. Yes (7) Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang, Councillor Traill, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart
Special Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat the Procedural By-law 2025-014, section 4.4.3 be suspended to add an Item to the Agenda for a Special Meeting without notice;
Special Council Meeting August 10, 2026
Against · 1–6 · LostThat Staff be directed to report to the first regular term of Council following the 2026 Municipal Election respecting options for delivering the North Bowmanville off-leash dog park identified in the Parks, Recreation…
Special Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-066-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public, review agencies, and Council with respect to the Zoning By-law…
Special Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-074-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public and Council with respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft…
Planning and Development Committee June 15, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas the Bowmanville Creek/Bowmanville Valley trail system is an important recreational and active transportation corridor used by residents, families, walkers, runners, cyclists, people using mobility devices,…
Planning and Development Committee June 15, 2026
For · 5–1 · CarriedThat Report CAO-007-26, the Draft Municipal Wide Community Improvement Plan, be received; and That Staff receive and consider comments from the public, review agencies, and Council with respect to the proposed Community…
Planning and Development Committee June 15, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-054-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public and Council with respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment application;
Planning and Development Committee June 15, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-057-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public and Council with respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment application;
General Government Committee June 1, 2026
Against · 6–1 · CarriedThat Staff be directed to proceed with the tender for the Clarington Operations Depot, Emergency and Fire Services Training Facility (CODEFS).
Planning and Development Committee May 11, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat Report PDS-040-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public, review agencies, and Council with respect to the privately…
General Government Committee May 4, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas United Against Hate Canada and the Montreal Chan Associations have launched a campaign calling on Parliament to establish a Canadian Chinese Heritage Month, recognising the cultural and historical contributions…
General Government Committee May 4, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat Report FSD-018-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the Procurement By-law 2024-052, a by-law to provide policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and services, be…
General Government Committee April 13, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat the delegation by Kirk Kemp, Algoma Orchards be received with thanks; That the request from Algoma Orchards to install an agricultural irrigation pipe beneath Concession Road 5, Orono, be approved subject to any…
Regular Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-006-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information; That staff be authorized to host a Public Information Centre in the Winter of 2026 regarding the draft Clarington…
Regular Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas the alleged use of a racial slur by a senior leader within the Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) is deeply troubling and harmful, given the term’s history of dehumanization and systemic oppression against…
Regular Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC) is committed to meaningful reconciliation and to ensuring that its practices reflect respect for the histories, rights, and presence of Indigenous Peoples;
Regular Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas a thriving democracy requires public accountability, but also a climate which encourages good people to step up and support their community without fear of personal attacks and misinformation;
Planning and Development Committee March 9, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat the delegation by Ron Hooper, Lisa Roy, and Tim Welsh, Durham Senior Citizens Lodge regarding, a request to Waive Fees for the Non-Profit Seniors Intensification Housing Project, be received with thanks;
Planning and Development Committee March 9, 2026
Against · 1–6 · LostThat Report PDS-006-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information; That staff be authorized to host a Public Information Centre in the Winter of 2026 regarding the draft Clarington…
Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Clarington Official Plan Amendment 131 and Durham Region Official Plan Amendment 2, attached to Report PDS-002-26, for…
Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedWhereas locally elected trustees provide essential community representation; And whereas all communities rely on trustees to reflect local priorities, ensure accountability, and advocate for students;
General Government Committee February 2, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedWhereas Durham Region’s diverse communities — including but not limited to Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Palestinian, Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQIA+ populations — have experienced a rise in hate motivated crimes…
Regular Council Meeting January 26, 2026
Against · 6–1 · CarriedThat Report PDS-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Clarington Official Plan Amendment 131 and Durham Region Official Plan Amendment 2, attached to Report PDS-002-26, for…
Planning and Development Committee January 19, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat Report PDS-007-26 and any related communication items, be received for information only; That Staff receive and consider comments from the public and Council with respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft…
Planning and Development Committee January 19, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat Report PDS-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Clarington Official Plan Amendment 131 and Durham Region Official Plan Amendment 2, attached to Report PDS-002-26, for…
Planning and Development Committee January 19, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas significant municipal financial resources, staff time, Council attention, and extensive volunteer effort from the Jury Lands Foundation have been committed over the past ten years toward preserving, advancing…
General Government Committee January 12, 2026
Against · 5–2 · CarriedThat Report PDS-063-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Staff be directed to utilize the remaining available funding for Whistle Cessation Implementation at Bennett Road…
Regular Council Meeting September 22, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat the delegation by David Moss, St. Paul's United Church/St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Regarding Winter Warming Centre Extension of Hours, be
Regular Council Meeting September 22, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedWhereas Doug MacCheyne has made significant contributions to the Clarington community, particularly through his leadership on the Bowmanville Legion’s Clarington Honours our Veterans Committee;
General Government Committee September 8, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat the delegation by David Moss, St. Paul's United Church/St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Regarding Winter Warming Centre Extension of Hours, be
General Government Committee September 8, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat Report CAO-015-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council endorse the five-year action plan for short-term recommendations in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;
Regular Council Meeting June 23, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedWhereas Clarington has provided access to Durham Region Social Services for winter warming programming at the former tourism building on Liberty Street in Bowmanville;
Regular Council Meeting June 23, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedThat the minutes from the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee meeting dated June 12, 2025, be received for information, with the exception of Item 8, which shall be endorsed by the Council of the Municipality…
Regular Council Meeting June 23, 2025
Against · 6–1 · CarriedWhereas the issues of road and pedestrian safety have been an ongoing concern of the residents of the Municipality of Clarington and the Hamlet of Tyrone is no exception;
Regular Council Meeting May 26, 2025
For · 5–0 · CarriedThat Report PDS-021-25 and any related communication items be received; That any comments received be considered during preparation of the recommended Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan and Urban Design…
Planning and Development Committee May 12, 2025
For · 5–1 · CarriedThat Report PDS-024-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Staff be authorized to continue finalizing the Clarington Waterfront Strategy as outlined in this report;
General Government Committee May 5, 2025
Against · 4–3 · CarriedThat Report PUB-006-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the Visual Arts Centre be renamed the "Marie Hubbard Visual Arts Centre of Clarington";
General Government Committee April 7, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedThat the Delegation of Elaine Popp, Durham College, Regarding Item 6.1, Correspondence from the Town of Ajax, regarding Impacts of the International Student Program Changes to Local Post Secondary Programs, be received…
Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (9)
General Government CommitteeDecember 1, 2025
Special Council MeetingJune 19, 2025
Planning and Development CommitteeJune 16, 2025
General Government CommitteeMarch 3, 2025
General Government CommitteeMarch 4, 2024
Regular Council MeetingApril 3, 2023
Special General Government CommitteeJanuary 27, 2023
General Government CommitteeMarch 9, 2020
Special Council MeetingMarch 9, 2020
Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 619)
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 5.7 - Memo-005-26 - CAO Delegation – DC Reduction Program, at this time.
Special Council Meeting, August 19, 2026 · Carried
That Memo-005-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That delegated authority be given to the CAO and Mayor to sign the Transfer Payment Agreement and take the necessary actions to facilitate the Development Charges Rebate Program grant with the Province of Ontario; That Staff, subject to an executed agreement with the Province, be authorized to provide grants equal t
Special Council Meeting, August 19, 2026 · Carried
That By-law 2026-092 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington at a special meeting held on August 19, 2026, be approved.
Special Council Meeting, August 19, 2026 · Carried
That all Items listed in Section 6, with the exception of Item 6.2 be approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Special Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
That Report PDS-038-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council approve the Active Transportation Master Plan as a high-level strategic planning document to guide future active transportation planning and implementation in Clarington; That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-038-26 and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.
Planning and Development Committee, June 15, 2026 · Carried
That Report FSD-027-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Staff be directed to submit an application with project costs of at least $50 million and a commitment to reduce development charges by 50% and provide 10% funding from the Municipality to the Development Charges Reduction Program; and That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-027-26, be advised of
Special Council Meeting, June 12, 2026 · Carried
That the delegation by Melodie Zarzeczny from Marigold Hospice Care be received with thanks; That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor be authorized to transfer up to 0.50 acre of land to Durham Hospice-Clarington in support of their request for additional parking space; That this resolution is conditional on Staff being satisfied that disposition of the land will not interfere with any municipal needs or the
General Government Committee, June 1, 2026 · Carried
That Report LGS-031-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the resignation of Luc Chaisson from the Newcastle Arena Board, Mel Green from the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, Vincent Wong from the Diversity Advisory Committee and Lesley Scherer from the Accessibility Advisory Committee be received with thanks; That By-law 2025-061, a by-law to establish a
General Government Committee, June 1, 2026 · Carried
THAT Item 6.1 of the Orono BIA meeting minutes, dated March 27, 2026 to draw $7,500 from the Orono BIA Reserve Fund, be approved, for the following purposes: Repair of downtown Christmas lighting, with the objective of extending its useful life; The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) portion of the CCTV camera installation; Additional downtown décor and lighting enhancements; and Preliminar
General Government Committee, June 1, 2026 · Carried
That Report LGS-031-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; General Government Committee Minutes June 1, 2026 That the resignation of Luc Chaisson from the Newcastle Arena Board, Mel Green from the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, Vincent Wong from the Diversity Advisory Committee and Lesley Scherer from the Accessibility Advisory Committee be received with than
General Government Committee, June 1, 2026 · Carried
That Report FSD-019-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the By-law attached to Report FSD-019-26, as Attachment 1, being a by-law to repeal By-law 2025-033, a by-law to require the payment of fees for services, be approved and effective July 1, 2026; That for the 2026 event season, the Municipality of Clarington provide sponsorship funding to cover the applica
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That Report FSD-020-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the projects identified in Report FSD-020-26 be approved pending Province of Ontario approval of the required 2026 investment plan; That Council approve support for the Micro Modular Transitional Housing Cabin Community project, to be approved pending Province of Ontario approval, by waiving fees for requ
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That the Delegation by Tracy Greig Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Sheila Penny and Robert Raynor, Two Steps Homes, regarding Report FSD-020-26 - Building Faster Fund Update, be received with thanks.
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That items 8.15 to 8.19 listed in Section 8, be approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That By-law 2026-060 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington at a regular meeting held on May 25, 2026, be approved.
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That the Presentation by Henry Zekveld, Chair, Agricultural Advisory Committee regarding, the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Annual Update be received with thanks.
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
Whereas the Durham County Senior Citizens Lodge (‘the Lodge”) provides essential housing, and community support to older adults in the Municipality of Clarington; Whereas the Lodge currently contains 41 residential units, and is proposing an expansion of an additional 58 single-bedroom units that would be ‘affordable’ as they will be provided at or below CMHC Average Market Rent which also aligns
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
That the request by Tracy Greig, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation, be
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Referred
That the Delegation by Tracy Greig Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Sheila Penny and Robert Raynor, Two Steps Homes , regarding Report FSD-020-26 - Building Faster Fund Update , be received with thanks.
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
That the recommendations contained in Item 10.1 - Confidential Report LGS-027-26 - OLT Appeal - OPA 136 Bowmanville East Urban Centre Secondary Plan, be approved; and That the recommendations contained in Item 10.2 - Confidential Report LGS-028-26 - OLT Appeal - William Tonno Construction Ltd., be approved.
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
Whereas the Durham County Senior Citizens Lodge (‘the Lodge”) provides essential housing, and community support to older adults in the Municipality of Clarington; Planning and Development Committee Minutes May 11, 2026 Whereas the Lodge currently contains 41 residential units, and is proposing an expansion of an additional 58 single-bedroom units that would be ‘affordable’ as they will be provided
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
That the preceding motion be amended by adding: That Council is not supportive of an urban boundary expansion at this time.
Planning and Development Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
That the Delegation by Angela BaltKois, Festival Director and Eric Bartnes, Rockstalgia Inc., regarding a request for a noise exemption, be received with thanks.
General Government Committee, May 4, 2026 · Carried
That Report FSD-018-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the Procurement By-law 2024-052, a by-law to provide policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and services, be amended (Attachment 1 to Report FSD-018-26) to change the following: The per project roster limit for Consulting and Professional Services be increased to $250,000 (Net HST Rebate) pe
General Government Committee, May 4, 2026 · Carried
That Report PDS-035-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the Zoning By-law Amendment attached to Report PDS-035-26, as Attachment 1, be approved; and That the Region of Durham Community Growth and Economic Development Department and Municipal Property Assessment Corporation be forwarded a copy of Report PDS-035-26 and Council’s decision; and That all interested
Planning and Development Committee, April 20, 2026 · Carried
That Staff work with the developer to come up with another plan.
Planning and Development Committee, April 20, 2026 · Carried
That Report LGS-017-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the updated EFW-WMAC Terms of Reference, Attachment 1 to report LGS-017-26, be received; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-017-26, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.
General Government Committee, April 13, 2026 · Carried
That the delegation by Ron Hooper, Lisa Roy, and Tim Welsh, Durham Senior Citizens Lodge regarding, a request to Waive Fees for the Non-Profit Seniors Intensification Housing Project, be received with thanks; That this project be
Planning and Development Committee, March 9, 2026 · Carried
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.1 and 6.2 be approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Planning and Development Committee, March 9, 2026 · Carried
Whereas Penny, a 4 ½ year old Doberman Pinscher, was awarded Best in Show at the 150 th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026; And whereas Penny’s win marks a historic achievement as the first Doberman Pinscher to earn this title since 1989; And whereas Penny is owned by Francis Sparagna, Diana Sparagna, Theresa Connors-Chan, and Gregory Chan; And whereas Penny was bred and raised i
Regular Council Meeting, February 23, 2026 · Carried
Whereas locally elected trustees provide essential community representation; And whereas all communities rely on trustees to reflect local priorities, ensure accountability, and advocate for students; And whereas proposed changes may reduce or eliminate locally elected trustees; Now therefore be it resolved: That Clarington Council affirms support for maintaining elected trustees; and That the Pre
Regular Council Meeting, February 23, 2026 · Carried
Whereas Penny, a 4 ½ year old Doberman Pinscher, was awarded Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026; And whereas Penny’s win marks a historic achievement as the first Doberman Pinscher to earn this title since 1989; And whereas Penny is owned by Francis Sparagna, Diana Sparagna, Theresa Connors-Chan, and Gregory Chan; And whereas Penny was bred and raised in
Regular Council Meeting, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That the Presentation by Tom Barrie and Zac Cohoon, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) regarding Community Outreach, be received with thanks.
General Government Committee, February 2, 2026 · Carried
That Report LGS-007-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council authorize staff to continue with the identified next steps for the implementation of an Administrative Penalty System (APS) including the associated By-law(s) and prescribed policies as identified in Report LGS-007-26, and; That Council authorize staff to initiate procurement of the necessary soft
General Government Committee, February 2, 2026 · Carried
That Report LGS-005-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the removal of Chris Ennis, from the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington, the resignation of Karen Graham from the Ganaraska Forest Recreational User Committee, and the resignation of Patrick Bothwell and Lou Itier from the Samual Wilmot Nature Area Management Committee, be received with thanks;
General Government Committee, February 2, 2026 · Carried
General Government Committee Minutes February 2, 2026 That Report LGS-007-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council authorize staff to continue with the identified next steps for the implementation of an Administrative Penalty System (APS) including the associated By-law(s) and prescribed policies as identified in Report LGS-007-26, and; That Council authori
General Government Committee, February 2, 2026 · Carried
General Government Committee Minutes February 2, 2026 That Report LGS-005-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the removal of Chris Ennis, from the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington, the resignation of Karen Graham from the Ganaraska Forest Recreational User Committee, and the resignation of Patrick Bothwell and Lou Itier from the Samual Wilmot Natu
General Government Committee, February 2, 2026 · Carried
That Report PDS-002-26 - Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan Recommendation Report (Item 6.2 of the Planning and Development Committee minutes), be
Regular Council Meeting, January 26, 2026 · Referred
That Report FSD-035-25, and Report FSD-040-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the March 24, 2025, Development Charge Background Study revisions mentioned in Attachment 1 of Report FSD-035-25, be included in the development charge calculations; That the final list of capital projects included in the 2025 Development Charge Background Study, provided in Attachm
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
That By-law Number 2025-070, be approved.
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
In the record
273meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
0conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
Ward 4seatCouncillor
2,103votes in 2022Local Councillor, incumbent
What this does not measure
- Motions moved is not a measure of effectiveness. Who moves a motion is often a seat convention or a committee role, and the member who does the work on a file is frequently not the one who reads it out.
- Nobody is ranked against anybody. These figures are counted against this member's own meetings and are never totalled or compared.
- Absence is not explained. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why. Illness, a declared conflict and a family emergency all appear the same way.
- What was said is not here. This record reads the minutes, which record decisions, not debate.
Something wrong here?
If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Clarington’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.