Zvonko Horvat campaign logo HORVATWARD 6 · PORT DOVER / WOODHOUSE
Ward 6 Councillor · Port Dover / Woodhouse, Norfolk County

Vote for
Zvonko Horvat

Leadership for Ward 6 — Port Dover / Woodhouse

Fifty years living, working, and raising a family in Norfolk County. Zvonko is asking for your vote to bring steady, experienced leadership to Ward 6 Council — grounded in integrity, commitment, transparency, and prosperity for every resident.

How You Can Support See Our Priorities
Zvonko Horvat campaign logo
Zvonko Horvat, candidate for Ward 6 Councillor
Until Voting Day
Monday, October 26, 2026
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Mission Statement

Steady leadership, rooted in Norfolk

"To represent the residents of Norfolk County with integrity, transparency, and accountability by making responsible financial decisions, supporting sustainable economic growth, and investing in resilient infrastructure. Through collaboration, community consultation, and strong partnerships, I am committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents while fostering an inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant community."
— Zvonko Horvat, Candidate for Ward 6 Councillor
Our Priorities

What Zvonko will fight for

Six commitments built directly from conversations with Ward 6 residents, farmers, and business owners.

Residential street in Port Dover

Supporting Agriculture

  • Protect prime farmland from unnecessary development
  • Encourage farm diversification through on-farm markets and agricultural tourism
  • Support agricultural labour needs through off-shore worker programs
  • Advocate for reduced regulatory barriers
  • Foster partnerships between farmers, businesses, and community organizations

Responsible Growth

  • Ensure new development aligns with Norfolk County's Official Plan and long-term vision
  • Support local businesses and attract responsible investment that creates jobs
  • Streamline planning and permitting processes while maintaining transparency and accountability
  • Engage residents through meaningful public consultation before major planning decisions
  • Plan and invest in the infrastructure needed to support responsible growth

Economic Development

  • Reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers while protecting public safety and accountability
  • Streamline planning, zoning, and permitting processes
  • Collaborate with provincial and federal governments to secure grants and infrastructure funding
  • Make prudent financial decisions that maintain competitive tax rates
  • Ensure municipal resources are used efficiently to support sustainable growth

Roads & Infrastructure

  • Invest in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure for residents and future growth
  • Prioritize preventative maintenance to extend asset life and reduce long-term costs
  • Seek provincial and federal funding to maximize investment while minimizing the tax burden
  • Use long-term asset management plans to guide responsible budgeting and renewal

Tourism

  • Promote Norfolk County's parks, beaches, trails, and natural areas
  • Support festivals, fairs, farmers' markets, and community events year-round
  • Promote local attractions that draw visitors to Ward 6 and beyond
  • Pursue grants and partnerships that strengthen local tourism

Port Dover Marina — Supporting Public Ownership

  • Ensure waterfronts remain available for public use rather than being limited to private interests
  • Preserve public waterfront assets for future generations
  • Explore provincial and federal grants for capital project upgrades
  • Enhance technology to increase security and self-serve options for boaters
  • Defer capital expenditures based on revenue generation, repairing on an as-needed basis
Experience & Leadership

A record of service Ward 6 can trust

50+ Years of Community Roots

Zvonko has lived, worked, and raised his family in Norfolk County for over five decades — he understands this community from the ground up.

Lifelong Volunteer, Coach & Mentor

Decades spent coaching local youth and mentoring the next generation, building teamwork and life skills across Norfolk County.

Historic theatre building, downtown Port Dover
Zvonko Horvat, candidate for Ward 6 Councillor
Norfolk County, Home Base Port Dover / Woodhouse · Ward 6

Why Vote for Zvonko?

01

Integrity

Doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

02

Commitment

A strong work ethic that follows through on commitments and responsibilities.

03

Transparency

Adopting meaningful participation and feedback from the community.

04

Prosperity

Supporting sustainable residential, commercial, and industrial growth while managing public resources responsibly.

Outstanding Achievement

Canada 150 Medal Recipient

Recognized for supporting youth through sports and the development of life-awareness skills.

King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025)

Honoured for exceptional contributions and dedication to the betterment of our province and country.

Professional Profile

  • 17 years of senior leadership experience, responsible for supervising a large team of specialists, generalists, and civilian staff
  • Major Critical Incident Commander, responsible for the mitigation of large community events and concerts, Indigenous protests, COVID-19 protests, barricaded persons, hostage rescues, and high-risk warrant executions
  • Incident Commander responsible for natural disaster mitigation, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) representation, and on-the-ground resource and response management
  • Incident Command instructor with Level 300 certification (train-the-trainer)
  • Authored a risk assessment matrix based on the principles of consequence versus vulnerability
  • CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) assessor, responsible for comprehensive safety and security crime-prevention reports used to target-harden private-sector and government-owned infrastructure post-9/11
  • Developed a Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) template that became a provincial standard for the Ontario Provincial Police, and authored several COOP plans throughout his career
  • Extensive policing experience across investigations, operations, administration, emergency response, senior leadership, and human resource management
  • Proven command and leadership skills developed over a 40-year policing career at the municipal and provincial levels, with a focus on accountability, strategic thinking, change management, training, and political acumen
  • Recognized as an innovative, motivating leader who supports, engages, and develops effective teams
  • Monitored, mentored, and guided daily and long-term operations to ensure a high standard of professional service delivery to the citizens of Ontario
  • Strong team-building skills, with a record of developing and motivating people to achieve organizational goals
  • Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills that have built lasting relationships with staff and community partners
  • Highly ethical, analytical, and motivated, with exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Strong educational background coupled with practical experience
  • Experienced in budget development, financial oversight, and responsible resource management
  • Extensive experience communicating with the media and the public
  • Strong understanding of legislation, governance, and the roles of federal, provincial, and municipal government

Education

Guelph University
Bachelor of Applied Arts, Justice Studies
Dalhousie University
Level II Police Leadership
Managing Police Performance
Coaching Skills
FBI National Academy
Leadership Development
Ontario Municipal Management Institute
Certified Municipal Manager, Level III
Experience & Leadership

Council & Municipal Experience

Aerial view of Port Dover harbour
Career Background

A working life built in Norfolk County

Zvonko Horvat has proudly called Norfolk County home for over 50 years. He lives here, has worked here, and has raised his family here — building the kind of first-hand understanding of Ward 6 that only comes from decades on the ground.

Alongside his career, Zvonko has been a lifelong volunteer, coach, and mentor, passionate about youth, teamwork, and building a stronger Norfolk County for generations to come. That same hands-on, community-first approach is what he'll bring to Council.

50+
Years in Norfolk County
2
National Honours
1
Community, Always First
Downtown Port Dover shops
How You Can Support

Ward 6 wins when we work together

Every volunteer hour, lawn sign, and shared post helps get Zvonko's message to Ward 6 voters.

Powell Park entrance, Port Dover

Volunteer

Join the door-knocking and phone-banking team ahead of October 26.

Get a Lawn Sign

Show your support — request a sign for your yard, farm gate, or storefront.

Social Media

Follow Zvonko Horvat on Facebook for campaign updates, community news, and events.

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Media Releases

News from the campaign

Statements, endorsements, and campaign announcements as they happen.

Port Dover lighthouse

No media releases have been published yet. Check back soon for statements and announcements from the campaign.

Why Zvonko?

Leadership & experience that delivers

Tap a campaign value to learn more.

Leadership

Strong leadership means listening, making thoughtful decisions, and following through for Ward 6.

Contact Us

Let's talk, Ward 6

Questions, media inquiries, or want Zvonko at your event? Reach out any time.

Emailinfo@zvonkohorvat.com
RidingWard 6 — Port Dover / Woodhouse, Norfolk County, ON
Port Dover beach