For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
1 P.M.
Release #26-03
Spring Fly-In at Stanhope Municipal Airport
Fly-In to Spring 2026 will take place at the Stanhope Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Organized by the Stanhope Municipal Airport Advisory Committee, the spring fly-in will feature a wide array of unique aircraft, classic cars, vendors, artisans, entertainment, food and a beer tent by Haliburton Highlands Brewing. There will be firefighters and equipment from Algonquin Highlands Fire Services and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. For a fee, attendees can take in the view from high above with a plane or helicopter ride.
“These events seem to grow in size every year, and it’s little wonder,” says Mayor Liz Danielsen. “You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy a fly-in. There is something for everyone. They are wonderful community events, and a great way to spend a Saturday.”
Visiting pilots are welcome to camp on the airport property the night before the event but must pre-register. For more information about the fly-in or camping on-site, contact Airport Coordinator Kaylee Francis Carroll at 705-457-0806.
General admission and parking are free. A rain date is set for Sunday, May 24.
Staff Contact:
Kaylee Francis-Carroll, Airport Coordinator 705-457-0806 kfrancis-carroll@algonquinhighlands.ca
General
Watershed Condition Statement from the MNR
The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising area residents and visitors that:
- Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect for the Gull River, Muskoka River and Magnetawan River watersheds.
This message will remain in effect until Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
This message applies to portions of the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of Haliburton including the French, Pickerel, Severn, Gull, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River watersheds.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.
Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees. MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be impassable.
Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Bulletin - Ministry of Natural Resources Issued on May 6, 2026
Update #6 from Mayor Bob Carter of Minden Hills
Update Message #6 from Mayor Bob Carter
Flood 2026
Dated: May 1, 2026
Greetings to all,
Our post flood clean-up program is ready to go. Information releases will be forthcoming on Monday, May 4, 2026. Township of Minden Hills staff have been working closely with volunteer groups to put this program in place.
There are a lot of questions about sand and sandbags. These should all be answered in our media releases. Again, if after reading the releases, you still have questions, please contact us at email.
We expect the program will take approximately two weeks to complete.
Thank you, in advance, to everybody who contributes in the effort to get Minden Hills prepared for a wonderful summer.
Have a great weekend,
Bob Carter, Mayor
Township of Minden Hills
Police Youth Academy
FROM/DE: Haliburton Highlands Detachment DATE:
HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS OPP CONCLUDE YOUTH IN POLICING ACADEMY
(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) - The Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) held a Youth in Policing Academy, which has now concluded.
Over the past 6 weeks, 20 local students attended weekly sessions to learn more about what a career in policing has to offer. Students learned about collision investigations, marine operations, forensic identification, canine operations, human trafficking, major crime, ATV operations, Emergency Response Team, Cadet & the Behavioural Analysis unit.
We thank all participants and speakers for attending and look forward to hosting similar events in the future.
Update #15 – Minden Flood State of Emergency
For Immediate Release
Minden, Ontario
April 27, 2026
3:15 PM
Release # 26-45
Subject: Update #15 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 29, 2026
Fluctuating Water Levels
Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. Currently, the water level
situation is stable, close monitoring of the levels will be ongoing over the next two
weeks. This is due to water moving through the system from the north, the Township
continues to collaborate with MNR and Parks Canada as they monitor and manage
conditions.
Sandbag Update / Community Clean-up
The sandbags that were provided to the community were filled with clean sand.
What to do with sandbags with the water receding?
You can use the sand on your property should you like and place empty sandbags in
with regular household waste. Empty sandbags are not recyclable.
If you cannot use the sand there are a couple of options starting Monday, May 4, 2026.
• Bring the sandbags to the Curling Club (50 Prentice St., Minden) and place them
in the drop off area
• Arrangements for a roadside pick-up of the sandbags is underway, with details to
be released next week. You are asked to move the sandbags to the roadside
(not on the roadway).
• Should you be unable to move the sandbags, please contact the Township via
email flood2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260. We will be working with
community volunteers to assist people to move sandbags.
Flood Waste Materials
If your home/business was impacted by the flooding and you have items/material you
need to bring to the waste facility, the Township will have an application process
available for those impacted. The program is intended for those who are not making a
claim through insurance. More details to follow on this process.
Clean Up Kits
The Township will have a small supply of clean up kits available that are suitable for
minor clean up needs. The Lakelands Public Health has important information related to
flooding on their website https://www.lakelandsph.ca/health-topics/emergency-
preparedness/flooding/. More information coming soon on when and where to pick up
the kits.
Page 2 of 2
Road Conditions
Township Roads have been impacted by flooding conditions. We thank the community
for patience as Township staff work to address the issues.
Contact Information:
Township of Minden Hills
Public Inquiry Centre
flood2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260
Minden Hills Mayor’s Report
Update Message #5 from Mayor Bob Carter
State of Emergency
Dated: 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