Re:      Township State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #17 April 30, 2025

The Township of Minden Hills remains in a state of emergency due to aftereffects of the ice storm as well as weather forecast for this week (Thursday/Friday). This weather has the potential to impact our already high-water levels in area lakes and rivers.

The Gull River water levels remain high with fast flow. The Township continues to meet regularly with Parks Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) regarding the water levels and potential impacts of weather forecast.

Flooding and High-Water Updates

• Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources continue to monitor the water levels and weather conditions. As noted, water levels remain high in area lakes and rivers. We will update as the conditions change and post information 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.

Also, some weather systems can bring windy conditions that may affect our fragile forest and trees. The community is reminded to be aware of the following safety messages:

• Water levels remain high. A reminder to please stay away from lakes, rivers, and streams as water is moving quickly as well as the banks – they are soft and may not be stable.
• Hazardous overhead trees – many trees were damaged during the storm. Damaged overhead branches can pose a serious danger. The community is reminded to be aware of surroundings when cleaning up your property or spending time outdoors use caution around trees – inspect your surroundings including checking up in the treetops for damaged branches.
• Water over roadways – do not drive through water over a road. Water can hide hazards as well as damage your vehicle. If you encounter an issue on a Township Road after hours, contact 1-866-856-3247 to report the issue.
• Reminder to have 72 hour emergency kit ready, with the recent ice-storm many may need to restock their emergency kits. Also, your kit should include some cash funds as debit/credit transactions can be impacted by power outages. 

Who to Call in an Emergency

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life or property.

• Non-emergency Police – 1-888-310-1122.
• After Hours Township Road Condition contact 1-866-856-3247. 

Clean-up Efforts

To support Minden Hills residents in clean-up 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 and the Township will provide notice when the program will be ending. 

A community clean-up plan is being developed by the County of Haliburton working with the Township of Minden Hills. We understand the need and are working to develop a program to assist. We are anticipating an announcement next week on this program. 

Hydro One

Hydro One advises the majority of power has been 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. 

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. 

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. 

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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