Re: Township State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #12

The Township of Minden Hills remains in a state of emergency. This is due to the March ice storm as well as the weather forecast for this coming weekend and the continued spring freshet (snowmelt). The Township is working with Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the water levels in the area.

With regards to the storm damage, much of the power and communications are restored. There is still significant clean up. If you will be visiting the community this Easter Weekend or soon, we are pleased to welcome you and provide the following information:

• Hydro One advises majority of power restored with the exception of areas with challenges for crews to access. To report an outage please contact 1-800-434-1235. You can text ‘outage’ to 92887 (WATTS). Ontario Hydro also has an outage app which will show outages and estimated restoration times.
• Municipal roadways have been cleared for vehicle traffic, however, the sides of many roads still have significant amounts of tree debris. We are working on the recovery/clean-up but it will take several weeks. Extra caution is suggested on the roadways.
• Potable water is available at the Old Fire Hall (Milne St.) and at the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena during business hours. Note fees are waived at the Old Fire Hall dispenser during the state of emergency.
• To support Minden Hills residents in cleanup efforts after the recent ice storm, the Township is waiving disposal fees until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill only during this time. There is currently no end date for the waiving of fees, the Township will provide notice when the program will end.
• A community clean-up plan is being developed with the County of Haliburton working with Minden Hills. We will update as soon as more information is available.
• Easter Hours many of our offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 21 (Easter Monday), 2025. Waste facilities will operate on the winter schedule and are open on Monday, April 21 per Sunday hours. Visit our website for further details www.mindenhills.ca/newsroom. 

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 are continuing to monitor the water levels and potential weather conditions. We will update as the conditions change and post on our website. 

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. 

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

-END-