Update – State of Emergency – Downtown Minden Bridges Opening at 4pm on Wednesday April 22nd at 4pm             Go to  www.mindenhills.ca/news for Flood updates and information

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Public Consultation on the Downtown Minden Pedestrian Crossover

For Immediate Release
Minden, Ontario
April 23, 2026
4:00 PM
Release # 26-42
Subject: Public Consultation on the Downtown Minden Pedestrian Crossover
The Township of Minden Hills is working with our consultant Engage Engineering and
has developed a Pedestrian Crossover concept for Bobcaygeon Road in Downtown
Minden.
We are seeking feedback from area businesses, residents and the community regarding
the proposed concept. A webpage has been developed that provides details on the
conceptual drawings along with a link to the report presented to the March 26, 2026
Council meeting. Visit www.mindenhills.ca/pedestrian.
The community is invited to review the conceptual drawings, details and to provide their
questions and thoughts on this plan.
Feedback will be received until May 1, 2026 and is to be emailed to
admin@mindenhills.ca. This feedback is valued and provides important information that
will be used to report back to Council on the public input received.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please let us know.

-END-
Mike Timmins, Director of Public Works

Township of Minden Hills
705-286-1260, Email: admin@mindenhills.ca

Media Release #40 – Update on Flood in Minden

For Immediate Release
Minden, Ontario
April 22, 2026
3:00 PM
Release # 26-40
Subject: Update #12 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 22, 2026
The Township of Minden Hills remains in a State of Emergency in response to the flood
conditions and the impacts to our community and infrastructure.
Bridges Scheduled to Reopen on April 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM
The bridges in downtown Minden are scheduled to reopen on April 22, 2026 at 4:00
p.m. Inspections have been completed on the Sunnybrook Bridge and the Loggers
Footbridge both have been approved to reopen.
Fluctuating Water Levels
Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. As water moves through the
system from the north, the Township continues to collaborate with MNR and Parks
Canada in as they monitor and manage conditions.
Road Conditions
Township Roads have been impacted by flooding conditions. We thank the community
for patience as Township staff work to address the numerous issues.
Warming Centre
The Warming Centre is located upstairs in the Community Centre operating 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena (55 Parkside St., Minden). The
Warming Centre will continue to offer shower facilities, refreshments, as well as spots
for charging devices (bring your cables).
As the community is recovering, the Warming Centre will be open on Friday, April 24,
2026 from 8:00 a.m. and the service will as of 4:30 p.m. Then the Community Centre
will resume normal operation.
Other 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 flood2026@mindenhills.ca. 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.

Page 2 of 2

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

-END-
Contact Information:

Township of Minden Hills
Public Inquiry Centre
flooding2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260

BMPS – Flood Warnings

Flood Warning

Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
11:30am

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising
area residents and visitors that a Flood Warning is in effect in the district until Wednesday,
April 29, 2026.
This message applies district‐wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds.
MNR advises municipalities and residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes
and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.
Several areas are experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels
are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.
Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to start to stabilize in
some areas over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.
Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.
Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
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 as
runoff enters local watercourses.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Most lakes within the area are ice-free or have limited ice cover remaining.
Increased water levels and temperatures may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards
that could damage waterfront infrastructure.
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 due to current water levels.
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.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Generally dry and warm conditions are expected over the next seven days, which may limit
additional runoff.
The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 17°C and overnight lows
between 1°C and 7°C with up to 10 mm of rainfall.
Description of Current Conditions
River levels and flows within the district remain elevated and are expected to persist across
most locations.
Lake water levels in several areas are near or have exceeded the upper limits of the
Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) and are now in the High-Water Zone.
Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high
flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters,
anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

• 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
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and
municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses
and municipalities.
LEARN MORE

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-
water-monitoring-centre

• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and
Climate Change Canada is recommended.

Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound
District Office, 705-645-8747 or
watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca

Update 11 – Minden Hills Flood Update

For Immediate Release

Minden, Ontario
April 21, 2026
2:00 PM
Release # 26-39

Subject: Update #11 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 21, 2026

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

Fluctuating Water Levels

Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. The Township will work with MNR and Parks Canada in monitoring water levels and conditions over the next two weeks.

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 have been 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

Map - Detour 2 Scotch Line Road
Detour details:

Highway 35 to Scotch Line Road

Scotch Line Road to Bobcaygeon Road

Evacuation Centre Transitions to Warming Centre (Hours Adjusting)

The Evacuation Centre will transition to a Warming Centre and will be located upstairs in the Community Centre operating 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily (as of April 21, 2026) at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena (55 Parkside St., Minden).

The Warming Centre is open today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 until 8:00 p.m.

There will be signage placed at the facility to direct people to the area. The Warming Centre will continue to offer shower facilities, refreshments, as well as spots for charging devices (bring your cables) during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Other 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.

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.

-END-

Contact Information:

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

Update #10-Minden State of Emergency Flooding

For Immediate Release
Minden, Ontario
April 21, 2026
11:30 AM

Release # 26-38
Subject: Update #10 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 21, 2026

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

Evacuation Centre Transitions to Warming Centre (Hours Adjusting)
The Evacuation Centre will transition to a Warming Centre and will be located upstairs
in the Community Centre operating 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily (as of April 21, 2026) at
the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena (55 Parkside St., Minden).

The Warming Centre is open today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 until 8:00 p.m.
There will be signage placed at the facility to direct people to the area. The Warming
Centre will continue to offer shower facilities, refreshments, as well as spots for
charging devices (bring your cables) during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Recreation Programming Resuming
S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena Programming
Drop-In Programming will resume on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. These
include:
• Fitness Room
• Walking Track
• Ice programming
• Drop-In Programming, half of the gymnasium is available during transition period.
Registered Youth and Adult Programs will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Please refer to our online programming at www.mindenhills.ca/recreation.
Minden Hills Cultural Centre (MHCC)
The MHCC will reopen on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for regular programming.

Other 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 flood2026@mindenhills.ca. 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.

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)
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

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

-END-
Contact Information:

Township of Minden Hills
Public Inquiry Centre
flooding2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260

Media Release #8 – State of Emergency of the Minden Flood

Minden, Ontario
April 19, 2026
12:45 PM
Release # 26-36
Subject: Update #8 State of Emergency Flooding 2026 on April 19, 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.
Bobcaygeon Road Construction – Road is Open
You may encountered some traffic delays this morning as additional road work related
to the reconstruction occurred. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Weight restrictions are in effect for this area of Bobcaygeon Road with no vehicles over
5 tonnes (Emergency Service Vehicles and School Buses are exempt).
Fluctuating Water Levels
Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. MNR and Parks Canada
have advised over the next several days water levels are expected to continue to rise.
The Township will 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.
Township staff will have the Sunnybrook and Loggers Crossing Bridges inspected prior
to reopening.
Detours options with the closure of the Sunnybrook Bridge
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 above 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.
• Anyone needing assistance with evacuation should contact the municipality
during business hours via flood2026@mindenhills.ca. 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 to help fill 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 some 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 flood2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260. Visit our website for up-to-date
information at www.mindenhills.ca/news.

-END-
Contact Information:

Township of Minden Hills
Public Inquiry Centre
flooding2026@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260