State of Emergency Update from Mayor Bob Carter, - April 29, 2025 Today is Day 30 of our State of Emergency due to the ice storm at the end of March. Municipalities declare States of Emergency for several reasons. It enables us to gain access to Provincial resources, equipment and services. As an example, it allowed us to gain access to EMS Services from Renfrew, York Region, Lanark and Frontenac for as long as they were needed. The declaration also allows us to apply for Provincial funding related to extraordinary expenses we incur as a result of the emergency. Other programs allow our constituents to apply for funding if their insurance does not cover their losses from damage. These are the main reasons to declare an emergency. You may have seen on the news that Peterborough and others have lifted their State of Emergency. Why is Minden still in a State of Emergency? Our response - water. This has been an unusual spring. We had significant snow this winter and have had a higher than usual amount of precipitation through April. We started to work with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Parks Canada well before the ice storm hit. Significant amounts of water were moved through the Gull River system to try to create capacity in the lakes above Minden in case of unusual weather patterns. However, the constant rains and the freshet (snow melt) have filled the lakes faster than we can move it downstream. The Burnt River system has peaked and is receding to normal levels but the Gull River system is basically full. The lakes above Minden are at capacity or over capacity. Another complication is that the ice storm has left us with a fragile environment. There are many branches and trees which are easily disturbed. The streams and culverts are being blocked by debris from these trees causing washouts and local flooding. The weather forecast includes high winds and thunderstorms early this week and, significant precipitation later in the week. Therefore, we need to be especially vigilant to react to any consequences due to the weather and to be prepared for anything. We are still meeting three times a week with the MNR and Parks Canada and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead until we are through the threats due to the weather. Please take note of the Media Releases from Minden, The County of Haliburton and the OPP. Be extremely cautious of trees and fast-moving water. Stay safe! Page 1 of 2 As we transition back to normal, we will embark on a cleanup. We have started to clean up the road allowances and ditches and as you have seen. We will be announcing, with the County of Haliburton, a program to assist residents in removing debris. Not everybody was affected equally by this storm. I ask for your patience and a continued spirit of generosity to assist your neighbours. Many hands make light work, and we will need many hands to clean up this mess and get Minden back to normal. Sincerely, Mayor Bob Carter April 29, 2025 For more information, please visit www.mindenhills.ca/newsroom
News
Haliburton Highlands OPP urges County residents to stay safe during State of Emergency
FROM/DE: Haliburton Highlands Detachment
HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS OPP URGES RESIDENTS TO STAY SAFE DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY
(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) - Members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are urging residents to stay vigilant and safe following the recent ice storm, which has created some hazardous conditions across Haliburton County and surrounding areas.
These include downed power lines, fallen trees, and the potential for high winds that could cause further damage. Residents are advised to avoid these hazards and never approach downed power lines, as they may still be live. Caution is also urged when walking near trees, or when clearing brush, as many of which remain damaged and unstable.
High winds are forecasted for April 29, gusting from 30 to 50 km/h at times, which could lead to additional falling trees and debris from ongoing ice damage. Residents should exercise caution when outside and remain aware of their surroundings. For non-emergency downed power lines, contact Hydro One directly at 1-800-434-1235.
Past rainfall and snowmelt are contributing to higher water levels across the county. The Haliburton Highlands OPP would also like to provide some flood safety tips:
· Avoid driving through flooded roads. Even shallow water can cause vehicles to become stranded.
· Stay away from fast moving water, including rivers, streams, and creeks, which may rise rapidly.
· Keep an eye on local advisories for updates and evacuation notices.
· Prepare for emergencies: Ensure you have an emergency kit with essential items such as flashlights, batteries, medications and important documents.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news, weather updates, and the official social media channels of their municipality and emergency services for the latest information. Your patience is greatly appreciated during this time and your safety is our priority. If you encounter and emergency, please dial 911. For non-urgent concerns, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.khcrimestoppers.com.
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Update #16 from the Township of Minden Hills
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ORILLIA FINANCIAL ADVISOR ARRESTED IN $1.8 MILLION DOLLAR FRAUD INVESTIGATION
(CITY OF ORILLIA, ON)- Members of the OPP Orillia Major Crime Unit, have arrested a local financial advisor from Orillia, Ontario. The individual is charged with Defraud the Public and eleven counts of Uttering a Forged Document contrary to the Criminal Code.
The 16 -month investigation concluded with the arrest of a 40-year-oldfinancial planner of the Township of Severn on April 24, 2025.
He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on June 10, 2025, in Orillia, Ontario to answer to these charges. The total sum of the misallocated funds suspected to be over $1.8 million.
It is alleged the local registered financial advisor, defrauded some of his clients by requesting his clients provide the intended investment funds by way of cheque made payable to himself personally instead of making the cheque directly payable to the investment company. Moreover, in certain instances, it is alleged the accused falsified and forged investment and insurance paperwork to hide the misallocation of his victims' funds. There are also further alleged fraudulent acts by DOUSE on members of the public while he was working as a financial advisor.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Rogan of the Orillia Crime Unit said, "It is essential to confirm that your investment funds are being directed into the products you intended. This means regularly reviewing your investment statements-whether by mail or through your secure online investment portal-and by keeping track of all transactions."
In many cases, particularly with vulnerable individuals, fraud can go undetected. "The OPP advises that a trusted family member or person regularly reviews these online accounts, especially for those who may not be tech-savvy, and always ensure you receive detailed documentation, receipts, and clear records for every investment decision."
Police are asking anyone with any further information to contact Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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Media Contact:
Derek Tilley
Media Relations Officer / Provincial Constable
Orillia Detachment
(705) 955-3928
Rabies Found in Lindsay Bat
Rabies Found in Lindsay Bat, Health Unit Seeking Individual Who May Have Been Exposed
Individual asked to contact the health unit immediately by calling 1-866-888-4577 x 5016
PORT HOPE, ON (April 24, 2025) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating an individual who may have been exposed to rabies on Friday, March 14th in the Lindsay region.
On March 14th at the corner of Kent Street West and Adelaide Street in Lindsay, a bat was handled and moved from the road and placed on a tree around 5 p.m. EST. The bat was then transferred to a wildlife sanctuary where it showed signs of illness. The bat was sent for testing and confirmed to be positive for rabies.
The individual who handled the bat is not in trouble, but is being asked to promptly contact the health unit by calling 1-866-888-4577 x 5006 to confirm if exposure (bite/scratch) occurred and to determine if they need to seek medical attention immediately.
“This serves as a reminder to our community to please stay away from bats and other animals that can carry rabies,” said Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Humans are at risk of infection if they’ve been bitten or had direct contact with an animal’s saliva, through open wounds or scratches.”
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The most common transmitters of the disease in Ontario are bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons; however infected pets and other domestic animals can also spread rabies. Rabies can be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva of an infected mammal through a bite, scratch or licking of an open wound.
If you see a raccoon, skunk, bat or other wild or stray animal that’s dead, sick or acting strangely do not touch or go near the animal and contact animal services.
When it comes to bats, the Health Unit offers these tips:
- If you have been bitten or had direct contact with a bat, immediately report this to your family doctor and the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5016. Direct contact is defined as the bat touching or landing on a person.
- If you find a bat in your house but there is no direct contact, no one was bitten or scratched, open windows and doors in the area to the outside, close off the rest of the house, keep people and pets away, turn off lights and leave the bat for a few hours to allow it to leave. If it does not leave, call an animal control or a pest control company for assistance.
- When there is no direct contact with a bat, the risk of rabies is extremely rare.
- If there has been direct contact from a bat that is discovered in your home, do NOT attempt to capture or kill the bat yourself. Leave the room, close the door and contact a professional pest control company or wildlife removal company to attempt to capture it using appropriate personal protective equipment. Bat will need to be humanely euthanized and tested for rabies.
- If you have bats living on your property and want to remove them, contact a professional pest control company or wildlife removal company.
- If you discover a bat outdoors that is injured, acting strange or dead, do not touch it.
- As bats can transmit the rabies virus to dogs and cats, ensure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and keep dogs on a leash under your control.
- Bat-proof the home. If bats are found in the home, seek advice from an animal control or wildlife conservation authority. If doing it yourself, carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters, then take steps to seal them. For instance, caulk any openings larger than a quarter inch by a half inch, ensure all doors to the outside close tightly, and use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics.
For more information, please visit hkpr.on.ca/rabies.
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Update on Minden Township State of Emergency
Township of Minden Hills – Media Release
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM
Media Release # 25-52 Re: Township State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #14
The Township of Minden Hills remains in a state of emergency. This is due to the March ice storm as well as weather conditions (rain) forecast for this week. The Township is working with Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the management of water levels in the area. We anticipate daily monitoring of water levels for at least the next 2-3 weeks.
Flooding and High-Water Updates
• Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources continue to monitor the water levels and potential weather conditions. We will update as the conditions change and post information on our website.
• If required, sandbags and sand are available for filling at the Minden Curling Club parking lot, 50 Prentice Street. Sandbags and sand are also available for filling at the Irondale Community Centre, 1004 Line Drive Road.
• Water levels remain high. A reminder to please stay away from lakes, rivers, and streams as water is moving quickly. The Township of Minden Hills Public Works team has updated that due to the clean-up efforts from the storm the 2025 Spring road maintenance program has been delayed. Staff are working to catch up. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we continue to navigate the aftermath of the storm.
Who to Call in an Emergency
• Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life or property.
• Non-emergency Police – 1-888-310-1122.
• After Hours Township Road Condition contact 1-866-856-3247.
Clean-up Efforts
To support Minden Hills residents in clean-up efforts after the recent ice storm, the Township is waiving disposal fees until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill only during this time. There is currently no end date for the waiving of fees and the Township will provide notice when the program will be ending. A community clean-up plan is being developed by the County of Haliburton working with the Township of Minden Hills. We understand the need and are working to develop a program to assist. We will update as soon as more information is available.
Hydro One
Hydro One advises majority of power restored with the exception of areas with challenges for crews to access. To report an outage please contact 1-800-434-1235. You can text ‘outage’ to 92887 (WATTS). Ontario Hydro also has an outage app which will show outages and estimated restoration times.
No Daytime Burning Permitted
As per Provincial legislation, reminder that there is no daytime burning permitted in the County. Residents can burn from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Emergency Assistance Funding
Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s Social Assistance Programs. An online application form is available and can be found at the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance. Any residents who may require support filling out the application form or need access to a computer and/or internet, residents can visit a Library branch to access WiFi, computers, as well as support. A list of branches and their hours of operation can be found at: https://www.haliburtonlibrary.ca/About-Us/Branches-Hours. The John Howard Society, 14 Iga Road can also support residents with the application process. They can be reached at 705-340-8486. The Warming and Information Centre is also available as a support to residents. For inquiries related to the State of Emergency, you are encouraged to email icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-1260 ext. 2025. -
END- Township of Minden Hills Public Information Centre 55 Parkside St., Minden Email: icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca Telephone: 705-286-1260 ext. 2025