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.
Throughout the emergency, the township said it has been fortunate to have assistance from other levels
of government, neighbouring municipalities, agencies, community volunteers and
businesses.
They said Emergency Management Ontario has been instrumental throughout. The new Ontario Corps initiative brought an amazing number of volunteers to help in the community with sandbagging activities (Global Medic). At the Evacuation Centre, the Salvation Army has provided supplies and volunteers to staff the centre. “This
has been critical as we continue to address issues and prepare for recovery.”
Jill Dunlop, minister of emergency Preparedness and response visited
the community today (April 20). Mayor Bob Carter and staff shared their appreciation and thanks for the
support received from the EMO staff, along with the volunteer response from
Ontario Corps.
The townshop added “while the situation is beginning to stabilize, we are still in a holding pattern and planning for the recovery is underway. We will share details on how those who have offered to assist can do so as
we approach that phase.”
Fluctuating water levels
Water levels in the Minden watershed continue to fluctuate. MNR and Parks Canada have advised the forecast seems to be improving and the township will monitor over the next
while.
The Township 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. 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
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 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 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 filling 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 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.
