Township of Minden Hills – Media Release
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Media Release # 25-44
Re: Township State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #8
Hydro Update
Hydro One continues to work diligently to restore power to the 1600 remaining households still without. This work includes replacing broken hydro poles. Hydro One has over 400 field resources in our area. Crews are now trying to access hard to reach areas in challenging terrain.
No Daytime Burning Permitted
A reminder that there is no daytime burning permitted in the County. Residents can burn from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Township Administration Office
We anticipate reopening the Township Administration Office on Monday, April 14, 2025. Township staff resources have been allocated to the emergency, however, some staff resources are gradually being directed back to the Township Office, as we slowly work our way back to resuming regular services.
Warming and Information Centre
The Warming and Information Centre is now operating from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Warming Centre offers shower facilities, food, as well spots for charging devices.
Flooding and High-Water Updates
Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that water from Horseshoe Lake will be gradually released into the Gull River as part of ongoing water management efforts. As a result, water levels in the Gull River are expected to rise by approximately 10 centimeters. Parks Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources has assessed the situation and is confident that the Gull River can safely absorb this increase without any issues.
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.
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A reminder to please stay away from lakes, rivers, and streams as water is moving quickly.
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.
Brush and Property Clean up
Please do not place brush from your private property onto the shoulder of the roads. This creates a safety hazard. Please take your brush to the Scotch Line Landfill or arrange to have it taken. The Township is currently working on supports for cleanup efforts, with details to be released at a later date.
To support Minden Hills residents in cleanup efforts after the recent ice storm, we are waiving disposal fees until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill only during this time, as this site can accommodate large quantities.
We continue to thank residents for their patience and cooperation.
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
News
Minden Hills Update #7 – State of Emergency
Township of Minden Hills – Media Release
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Media Release # 25-43
Re: Township State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #7
Hydro Update
Hydro One crews and partners from around the province and the country - Hydro One
crews from Northern Ontario, NB Power from New Brunswick, K-Line Ontario and a
crew from Saskatchewan continue to work through long hours, difficult circumstances
and challenges daily.
Township Administration Office
We anticipate reopening the Township Administration Office on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Township staff resources have been allocated to the emergency, however, some staff
resources are gradually being directed back to the Township Office, as we slowly work
our way back to resuming regular services.
Warming and Information Centre
The S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena/Community Centre remains set up as a warming and
information centre. Starting April 9, 2025, the Warming and Information Centre will
be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Warming Centre offers shower facilities,
food, as well spots for charging devices.
Flooding and High-Water Updates
Along with monitoring water levels, staff have attended regular meetings with Parks
Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for updates.
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.
Emergency Assistance
Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access
emergency assistance through Ontario’s Social Assistance Programs.
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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, the Warming and Information Centre is available. Residents
can also 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. Additionally, the John
Howard Society, 14 Iga Road is also available to support residents with the application
process. They can be reached at 705-340-8486.
Brush and Property Clean up
Please do not place brush from your private property onto the shoulder of the roads.
This creates a safety hazard. Please take your brush to the Scotch Line Landfill or
arrange to have it taken.
To support Minden Hills residents in cleanup efforts after the recent ice storm, we are
waiving disposal fees until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line
Landfill only during this time, as this site can accommodate large quantities.
A reminder that there is no daytime burning permitted in the County. Residents can burn
from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
The Township’s Emergency Control Group (ECG), including key partners and service
providers, are continuing to meet daily.
We continue to thank residents for their patience and cooperation.
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
Haliburton County Flood Warning Advisory
FROM/DE: Haliburton Highlands Detachment DATE: April 8, 2025
HALIBURTON COUNTY - FLOOD WARNING ADVISORY
(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) - Members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind residents and visitors to remain cautious as local water levels continue to rise.
Past heavy rainfall and snowmelt are contributing to the possibility of flooding in various areas across the county. The Haliburton Highlands OPP would like to provide some flood safety tips:
- Avoid driving through flooded roads. Even shallow water can cause vehicles to become stranded or swept away.
- Stay away from fast-moving water, including rivers, streams, and creeks, which may rise rapidly.
- Be prepared for possible road closures and delays due to flooding conditions.
- 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.
Your safety is our priority. If you encounter an emergency, please dial 911. For non-urgent concerns, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Please stay informed and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the utility workers, public works staff, emergency service personnel, community partners and every resident in Haliburton County who has reached out to lend a helping hand. Situations like this truly remind us of the strength and unity that make Haliburton County such a special place to call home.
Minden Hills Road Closure
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MNR Updates in effect until April 11
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook
Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
Boyne, French, Gull, Pickerel, and Seguin River Watersheds
Thursday, April 03, 2025
2:30pm
The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising
area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook bulletin is in
effect for portions of the District until Friday, April 11, 2025.
This bulletin will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the Boyne, French, Gull, Magnetawan,
Pickerel, and Seguin River Watersheds.
Please note that a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Black, Burnt, Muskoka and
Severn River Watersheds within the Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District.
Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. High water levels combined with a forecast for high winds has the potential to
damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice. MNR also advises extreme caution
when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as many are seasonally inundated
with water, prone to washouts and may be impassible due to current water levels.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Precipitation amounts of up to 10 mm were recorded over the April 2/3 period within these
watersheds.
Temperatures over the next 7 days are expected to remain seasonal with daytime highs up
to +12°C and nighttime lows down to -10°C.
Description of Current Conditions
High water levels and river flows are anticipated in the areas covered by this bulletin. The
melting snowpack within the watersheds is anticipated to contribute to increased runoff as a
result of the recent precipitation and warmer daytime temperatures. Flooding is possible if
additional rainfall is received.
Ice on local lakes and rivers is unsafe and is breaking up. High winds combined with high
water levels have the potential to damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice.
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 Canada
is recommended.
__________________
Flood Warning
Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District
Black, Burnt, Muskoka, and Severn Watersheds
Thursday, April 03, 2025
2:30pm
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is
advising area residents that a Flood Warning bulletin is in effect for the Black, Burnt,
Muskoka, and Severn River watersheds in the District until Friday, April 11, 2025.
The Flood Warning will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound
District, which includes portions of the District Municipality of Muskoka, and the County of
Haliburton.
Residents should expect water levels to rise and river flows to increase through the April
5/6 weekend and into the week of April 7-11.
Runoff into local lakes and rivers has increased significantly with recent rainfall, snow melt,
and warm weather.
MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. High water levels combined with a forecast for high winds has the potential to
damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice. MNR also advises extreme caution
when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as many are seasonally inundated
with water, prone to washouts and may be impassible due to current water levels.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas will be impacted to varying degrees as
lake and river water levels remain high in response to recent and forecast precipitation and
melting snow in the coming week. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while
around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Precipitation amounts of up to 40 mm were recorded over the April 2/3 period within these
watersheds.
Temperatures over the next 7 days are expected to remain seasonal with daytime highs up
to +12°C and nighttime lows down to -10°C.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are rising and river flows are increasing with recent precipitation and
runoff. The melting snowpack within the watersheds is anticipated to contribute to increased
runoff as a result of the recent precipitation and warmer daytime temperatures.
Ice on local lakes and rivers is unsafe and is breaking up. High winds combined with high
water levels have the potential to damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice.
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.
Update from Minden Hills
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