Please use caution on the roadways as there will be a phased clean-up process. The Township and County Roads staff are currently working to clear trees from the actual roadway in this phase. Their focus is to make the right-of ways safe for passage. 

The next phase will move to clearing the sides of the roadways. This will take time and it is important for drivers to use caution as some roads are narrow and there are trees on the side of the roadways. 

Hydro Update

Hydro One is working diligently to restore power to the 700+ remaining households still without power. This work includes replacing broken hydro poles. Crews are now trying to access hard to reach areas in challenging terrain. 

Warming and Information Centre

The Warming and Information Centre is now operating from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

This weekend (April 12 & 13) the Warming and Information Centre will be moved to the Community Room #1 at the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena (55 Parkside St., Minden) and there will be signage placed at the facility to direct people to the area. The Warming Centre will continue to offer shower facilities, refreshments, as well as spots for charging devices. 

Township Facilities & Programs

SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena

Starting on Monday, April 14, 2025, the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena will see the return of some of the regular programs including:

• Current ice user bookings to restart (Figure Skating, Men’s Leagues, etc.) on their booked time and dates
• Fitness Centre and walking track will be open regular hours 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Registered Adult and Youth programs (fitness classes, and youth recreation programming) 

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025 the drop-in programs for adult and youth will resume. The facility will also begin to accept new bookings for ice, gymnasium and the community rooms on April 22. 

Township Administration Office

The Township Administration Office will be open on Monday, April 14, 2025. Township staff resources have been allocated to the emergency, however, some staff resources are gradually being directed back to the Township Office, as we slowly work our way back to resuming regular services. 

Minden Hills Cultural Centre (MHCC)

The MHCC will reopen on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 for regular programming. 

No Daytime Burning Permitted

As per Provincial legislation, reminder that there is no daytime burning permitted in the County. Residents can burn from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 

Flooding and High-Water Updates

Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that water from Horseshoe Lake will be gradually released into the Gull River as part of ongoing water management efforts. 

If required, sandbags and sand are available for filling at the Minden Curling Club parking lot, 50 Prentice Street. Sandbags and sand are also available for filling at the Irondale Community Centre, 1004 Line Drive Road. Water levels remain high. A reminder to please stay away from lakes, rivers, and streams as water is moving quickly. 

Emergency Assistance Funding

Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s Social Assistance Programs. 

An online application form is available and can be found at the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance. 

Any residents who may require support filling out the application form or need access to a computer and/or internet, residents can visit a Library branch to access WiFi, computers, as well as support. A list of branches and their hours of operation can be found at: https://www.haliburtonlibrary.ca/About-Us/Branches-Hours. The John Howard Society, 14 Iga Road can also support residents with the application process. They can be reached at 705-340-8486. The Warming and Information Centre is also available as a support to residents. 

Brush and Property Clean up

Please do not place brush from your private property onto the shoulder of the roads. This creates a safety hazard. Please take your brush to the Scotch Line Landfill or arrange to have it taken. The Township and County are currently working on supports for cleanup efforts, with details to be released at a later date. 

To support Minden Hills residents in cleanup efforts after the recent ice storm, we are waiving disposal fees until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill only during this time, as this site can accommodate large quantities. 

We would like to thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation during this emergency. 

For inquiries related to the State of Emergency, you are encouraged to email icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260 ext. 2025.

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