Update #9 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 20, 2026

For Immediate Release                                                               

Minden, Ontario
April 20, 2026
4:15 PM
Release # 26-37

Subject: Update #9 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 20, 2026

The Township of Minden Hills remains in a State of Emergency in response to the flood conditions and the escalating impacts to our community and infrastructure.  

Throughout the emergency we have been fortunate to have assistance from other levels of government, neighbouring municipalities, agencies, community volunteers and businesses. Emergency Management Ontario has been instrumental throughout this emergency. The new Ontario Corps initiative brought an amazing number of volunteers to help in the community with sandbagging activities (Global Medic). At the Evacuation Centre, Salvation Army has provided, supplies and volunteers to staff the centre. This has been critical as we continue to address issues and prepare for recovery. 

The Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response visited our community today. Mayor Carter and staff shared our appreciation and thanks for the support received from the EMO staff, along with the amazing volunteer response from Ontario Corps. 

Welcome and group photos of the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP Laurie Scott. 

• Welcome Photo:  Mayor Carter and Warden Burton welcoming MPP Laurie Scott and the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response;
• Group Photo: Minister Dunlop and MPP Scott with volunteers and local representatives at the Evacuation Centre. 

Our local and neighbouring communities have also been incredible with the outpouring of help, it has been wonderful and inspiring to witness. While the situation is beginning to stabilize, we are still in a holding pattern for a few days and planning for the recovery is underway. We will share details on how those who have offered to assist can do so as we approach that phase. 

Fluctuating Water Levels

Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. MNR and Parks Canada have advised the forecast seems to be improving and we will monitor over the next few days. The Township continues to meet with MNR and Parks Canada and will provide further updates. 

Bridge Closures

Bridges in downtown Minden remain closed this includes the Sunnybrook Bridge (Bobcaygeon Road vehicle and pedestrian bridge) and the Loggers Footbridge (pedestrian bridge near Canadian Tire). These bridges will remain closed until further notice. Bridge inspections will be scheduled for this week and updates will be provided. 

Detours options with the closure of the Sunnybrook Bridge / Access the Evacuation Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden): 

Map Detour 1 Deep Bay Road

Detour details:

From Minden - Bobcaygeon Road to Deep Bay Road to Highway 35

To Minden - Highway 35 to Bobcaygeon Road 

Detour 2 Scotch Line Road

Detour details:

Highway 35 to Scotch Line Road

Scotch Line Road to Bobcaygeon Road 

Evacuation Centre at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden) is Open

The Evacuation Centre is open for members of the community that need to leave their homes due to flooding. Amenities available at the Evacuation Centre include: light refreshments, snacks, water filling station, shower facilities, sleeping area, charging stations for medical devices and phones (be sure to bring your charging cables, blanket and pillow, personal hygiene amenities along with towels/face clothes). Area community groups will be donating meals to the Evacuation Centre. 

Access to the Evacuation Centre at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre, please see the noted detours via Deep Bay Road or Scotch Line Road. 

The Haliburton County Paramedics will have Community Paramedic available at the Evacuation Centre as needed. 

This facility will be open 24 hours a day until evacuation conditions are lifted. Please note that no pets are permitted at the facility for safety and due to space limitations. 

Resources Available:

• If there is immediate danger at any time, call 911.A
• Anyone needing assistance with evacuation should contact the municipality during business hours via email. If there is an emergency, contact 911.
• Call 988 for Mental Health Assistance available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
• Call 811 for Non-Urgent Medical Assistance – connect with a Registered Nurse Day or Night. 

Self-Serve Sand and Sandbags

There have been 25,000+ sandbags filled and picked up in the community. We thank all the staff and volunteers who continue to help fill sandbags. We appreciate the incredible outpouring of support and volunteers filling sandbags. A reminder to everyone to work safely. 

Minden – Two Locations:

Self-serve sand and sandbags are available at the Minden Curling Club Parking Lot, located at 50 Prentice St., Minden. 

A second location for self-serve sand and sandbags is set-up at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church parking lot at 7 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden. 

These are self-serve, please remember to bring a shovel. There will be filled sandbags available on a first come, first served basis at these locations. 

Irondale:

Self-serve sand and sandbags are available at the Irondale Community Centre (1004 Line Drive Road, Irondale). This resource is self-serve, please remember to bring a shovel. 

Residents are encouraged to think of their neighbours, don’t forget about those around you that may have difficulty with this task. 

Facility / Programming Closures & Changes

• Programming at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre is cancelled as the facility is operating as the community Evacuation Centre. We thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.
• The Minden Hills Cultural Centre (176 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden) is closed to the public as staff assist with the ongoing State of Emergency.
• Township of Minden Hills Municipal Office (7 Milne St., Minden) – the office is open however it is not business as usual. Many of our team is helping in other areas assisting with the State of Emergency. 

Public Inquiries

We ask the community to direct flood related questions to the Public Inquiry Centre via email or call 705-286-1260. Visit our website for up-to-date information at www.mindenhills.ca/news. 

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Contact Information:

Township of Minden Hills
Public Inquiry Centre
Email or call 705-286-1260