Township of Minden Hills – Media Release

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Media Release # 25-41

Re:     Township Declares State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #5

The Week in Review

The Township remains in a state of emergency. Hydro One has advised that they have approximately 8,000 customers without power in our community. As crews continue to work to repair infrastructure and restore power, please be patient as there is still instability in the power grid and infrastructure is quite fragile.

 Communication Services

Premier Ford called Mayor Carter on Monday, March 31 offering assistance and provided his contact information. The Mayor has been working with the Premier, who connected with the President of Bell Canada regarding the impacts of the loss of communication services. MPP Scott has assisted, following up with Bell. The Township worked with her Tuesday evening, restoring communication service.

 Hydro Service

In addition to local resources, Hydro One has brought in crews from Sudbury, Timmins, Thunder Bay and Eastern Canada to assist with storm clean up in our community. In the most damaged areas, the infrastructure needs to be re-built. The Vice President of Hydro One will be meeting with members of the Emergency Control Group (ECG) today. MPP Scott visited the Township on April 3, 2025 to offer continued support and will attend the meeting with Hydro One.

 Water Levels

In addition to addressing the effects of the ice storm, staff and Mayor Carter are regularly meeting with Parks Canada and MNRF, regarding water management.  Currently, the groups are in a monitoring situation, and much will depend on the weather forecast for next week and water movement upstream.

 Warming and Information Centre

The S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena/Community Centre has been set up as a warming and information centre. The facility is currently open 24 hours a day, particularly for those without power. There are shower facilities and food available, as well spots for charging devices. Regular updates on the clean-up and restoration efforts are also available. The Red Cross has provided 50 sleeping cots/pillow and blankets for anyone that needs a warm place to sleep.

 The Township’s Emergency Control Group (ECG), including key partners and service providers, have been meeting twice per day to address logistics for restoration of services, coordination of cleanup efforts, and addressing resident needs. The groups will continue to meet regularly until the community is restored to a more normal state.

 We thank residents for their patience and cooperation.

 For inquiries related to the State of Emergency, you are encouraged to email icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca.

 -END-

Township of Minden Hills

Public Information Centre

55 Parkside St., Minden

Email: icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca