Update Message #5 from Mayor Bob Carter on the State of Emergency - April 24, 2026

Update Message #5 from Mayor Bob Carter —State of Emergency

April 24, 2026

Greetings to all,

As we head into the weekend, I thought I would let you know the latest news.
We remain in a state of emergency and will do so until the water recedes a bit more. At that time, we can get a true assessment of the state of our infrastructure and the cost of the cleanup. We should be able to make decisions about that next week.

In speaking with Parks Canada today, we are optimistic about our situation. So that nobody is alarmed, there will be a noticeable increase in the water levels on the Gull River this weekend as Parks Canada makes some controlled releases from the upstream lakes. Parks Canada will have staff working throughout the weekend to accomplish this.

Cleanup plans are underway and the Township will be meeting on Monday in order to provide further information. I ask everybody for their patience as most of our staff have been busy with necessary repairs and assessing the situation.

We have been consolidating unused sandbags at distribution centres and have offered some to our neighbouring communities. We have received heartfelt thanks from those who are still suffering from rising waters.

We are quickly returning to normal operations at our Community Centre and in all other departments. Volunteers will be needed for portions of the cleanup. I know that the community has asked you all for so much help over the past week, but please do whatever you can to put Minden back in business.

Again, I know you have so many questions. Please continue to send your question and comments to flood2026@mindenhills.ca. Everything that comes in through there is read and distributed to the right people.

Have a great weekend,

Bob Carter, Mayor
Township of Minden Hills