Today is day 14 of the declared emergency in Minden Hills following the late March ice storm that caused widespread power and communication network outages. Our efforts are continuing and at today’s meeting it was reported there are still 700+ residents without power in our community.

Our focus initially and to this day remains on the health and safety of everyone in our community. During the initial days of the emergency, we were focused on determining the extent of damage across Minden Hills. With this information, plans evolved to address the issues and to provide necessary resources for those that were in need.

I have been truly impressed with the response at every level. At each of the Emergency Control Group (ECG) meetings (14 meetings to date) everyone was available and prepared to help however they could. Everyone came together to work on the issues and offer assistance where needed. Our response has been made possible through this collaborative spirit and a dedication to helping the community.

Each meeting had representatives from the Township and County staff, as well from Fire, OPP and Paramedics, Hydro One, HKPR Health Unit providing updates and offering their expertise to meet the needs of our community. At one meeting wellness checks were discussed, next meeting there was an update that the Paramedic team visited an area conducting these needed wellness checks. People helping people, making a difference.

The current state. It varies across Minden Hills. Some people have restored power with limited damage, other areas are struggling with the results of the outage with damage to their homes/property while others are still without power. Our focus remains on the health and safety of everyone in our community.

We will continue in a state of emergency as there are still people without power as well the clean-up efforts will take some time. The Warming and Information Centre will remain at the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena operating from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in Community Room #1 offering showers, refreshments and charging spots.

On Monday, April 14, 2025 we will have some services return. This includes our Township Administrative Office, it will be open at 8:30 a.m. The SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena, which has been an incredible Warming and Information Centre, will have some of the regular and registered programming starting on April 14^th. As well, the Minden Hills Cultural Centre will reopen on Tuesday, April 15 for their regular programming. Visit www.mindenhills.ca/newsroom for more specifics on the schedule.

As we return to normal business, I ask that we all keep in mind that many people will still be struggling with the aftermath of the storm damage to the outside and inside of their homes. We are also in a monitoring stage for the spring freshet (snowmelt) impacts. The water levels are continuing to rise.

The clean-up will be a phased process and it will take some time to complete. We will have more information on a community clean-up initiative that the County of Haliburton is working with our Township to establish. It is taking time to develop as we have limited resources available and are working to balance the clean-up efforts needs with our projects planned for 2025.

We are grateful for our staff and volunteer efforts. Our Volunteer Firefighters, EMS & Community Paramedics, and OPP have played a pivotal role in keeping the community safe. The teams of support coming from throughout the province and across the country has been welcome and inspiring. The mutual support of the County and neighbouring municipalities has been critical to the recovery and we cannot thank them enough. Finally, the support of our MPP and the Provincial government played a major role in assisting us in these efforts. On behalf of Council, I will be sending many thank you notes to recognize all the efforts shared during this emergency.

It is such an honour to witness the community come together in a time of need. I am very proud of all our citizens and how we have worked together and addressed this challenge.

Thank you, the community, for your efforts and your patience.

Sincerely,

Mayor Bob Carter

April 11, 2025