Update#3 State of Emergency – Flood Conditions for April 16, 2026

Minden, Ontario
April 16, 2026
6:30 PM
Release # 26-31

Subject: Update#3 State of Emergency – Flood Conditions for April 16, 2026

The Township of Minden Hills declared a State of Emergency on April 14, 2026 in response to the flood conditions and the escalating impacts to our community and infrastructure. 

The emergency in Minden Hills continues to evolve. Residents are strongly urged to refrain from entering any areas of Minden Hills that are affected by the flooding water as the road conditions are constantly changing and extreme caution is required. 

An Evacuation Centre is being organized at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden). We will share notification as soon as the centre is operational. When open the centre will offer light refreshments, snacks, water filling station, shower facilities, sleeping area, charging stations for medical and phones (be sure to bring your charging cables). 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. 

It is important to note that the Township of Minden Hills will not be functioning in a business-as-usual manner. Many staff have been seconded to respond to emergency related activities and inquiries. As well, programming at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre is cancelled until further notice. We ask for your patience and cooperation as we work through the impacts of this emergency. 

Hydro One – Water and Electricity Do Not Mix

Hydro One - If flooding occurs and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, or your furnace, call us at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Do not enter flooded areas, such as basements, until power is disconnected. When outdoors, stay clear of ground level electrical equipment like pad mounted transformers. 

Resources Available:

• If there is immediate danger at any time, call 911.
• 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.
• Insurance questions? The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises people with homes experiencing flooding issues to contact your Insurance Representative or they can help contact them at 1-844-227-5422 or email consumercentre@ibc.ca for help to navigate the claim process. 

Road Conditions:

Township Roads continue to be impacted by rising water levels including washouts, water over the roadway, and ponding. There are several road closures and roads with restricted access noted below. Township staff continue to monitor roadways and will provide ongoing updates:

 Roads Closed

• Anson Street at McKnight - Closed to through traffic, Local traffic only
• Bobcaygeon Road - Closed from Winding Creek Road to Scotch Line Road
• Buller Road at Clear Lake Road
• Invergordon Avenue - Closed, access is open through the back entrance of S.G. Nesbit Memorial Arena
• Milburn Road – Bridge Closed – No Access
• St. Germaine Street from Prince Street to Water Street
• Upper Dutch Line Road - Closed to all traffic
• Voicey Road from Blairhampton Road to Tulip Road. 

Restricted Access

• Bacon Road – Water over the road.
• Bethel Road - Water over the road near Horseshoe Lake Road and County Road 21
• Denna Lake Road - Water over the road, use caution - Local Traffic Only
• Devil’s Lake Road - Water over the road, reduced to one lane
• Hospitality Road - Water over the road, Local Traffic Only
• Mark Twain Road - water over the road, Local Traffic Only
• Orde Street - Water over the road, Local Traffic Only
• Reynolds Road - Water over the road near Duck Lake Road
• Ritchie Falls Road - Water over the road in multiple locations, use caution
• Ron Road - Water over the road, Local Traffic Only
• Salerno Lake Road - Bridge Closed – access from Trent Lakes
• Sandy Bay Road - Washed out, limited access, Local Traffic Only
• Sedgwick Road - Water over the road, Local Traffic Only
• Spring Valley Road - Water over the road near end. 

Avoid driving on any roadways that are underwater, as road conditions may be unstable and dangerous. It is important to note that Local Traffic Only means that only people who reside on the street are to be using that roadway. The infrastructure is in a fragile state, and we need to follow these messages to keep the access available for those that need it. 

Residents in areas that are susceptible to flooding should take necessary precautions to protect property and continue to monitor developing conditions. Be aware and be prepared to evacuate independently if necessary. If possible, make arrangements with family and/or friends for accommodation. 

Self-Serve Sand and Sandbags
We have had a wonderful response from the community and our staff filling sandbags with approximately 18,000+ sandbags filled to date. The sandbag filling operations continue and we wanted to thank staff and volunteers for this incredible effort. 

Minden:
Residents are advised that self-serve sand and sandbags are available at the Minden Curling Club Parking Lot, located at 50 Parkside, Minden. 

This resource is self-serve, please remember to bring a shovel. There will be some filled sandbags available on a first come, first served basis at this location. 

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. 

Public Inquiries
We ask the community to direct flood related questions to the Public Inquiry Centre via email flood2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260. 

Safety Reminders
The public is reminded to use caution around area lakes, rivers, creeks and other water sources such as ditches, as high water levels and swift currents can create unstable and hazardous conditions. Exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams, and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 

Visit our website for up-to-date information at www.mindenhills.ca/news.

If you require more information, please contact us at 705-286-1260 or email.

 -END-

Contact Information:

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