Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Media Release # 25-37

Re:      Township Declares State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #3

The Township of Minden Hills declared a state of emergency on March 31, 2025 due to the Ice Storm. The storm has caused widespread power outages, along with areas suffering outages of their cellular and internet networks.

There has been some restoration of our communication networks and staff are starting to receive messages. While we remain in a state of emergency, our operation will have limited ability to respond to inquiries.

Road work is continuing and will be a phased clean-up that will take some time to address across the community.

Warming Centre

The S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden) is open 24 hours a day during this emergency. The centre is operating as a warming centre for members of the community along with an information centre for updates on the clean-up and restoration efforts. Wi-Fi is operational at the centre. 

There are shower facilities available, as well spots for charging devices. Be sure to bring your charging cables.

This facility will be open 24 hours a day during the emergency. Please note that no pets are permitted at the facility for safety and space limitations.

We encourage anyone who needs assistance to come to the Arena / Community Centre.

Other Updates & Information

Our communication channels are operational. Many staff have been seconded to assist at the Warming and Information Centre and are not available to respond to non-emergency inquiries. As our communication network is being reestablished, we ask for patience for matters not related to the emergency. 

Ontario Hydro continues to work on power outages in the area. 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.

Cell Tower / Internet update, there is improved connectivity in the community.

Power Outage / Food Safety information is available at the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit https://www.hkpr.on.ca/health-topics/emergency-preparedness/power-outages/.

Many area businesses have been impacted by the lack of internet and may only be able to accept cash only.

Township Facilities

• All waste disposal sites are operating on regular winter hours.
• Scotch Line Landfill - waste disposal fees are cash only.
• To assist residents with clean-up from the storm we are waiving brush disposal fees until further notice. Brush is being accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill.
• All other municipal facilities are temporarily closed due to the emergency including the Township of Minden Hills Administration Office (7 Milne St., Minden) and the Minden Hills Cultural Centre (174 - 176 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden).
• SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena is open as a warming centre, note there is no programming available at the centre during the emergency.

We ask for your patience and cooperation as we work through the impacts of this major weather event. Staff are continuing to assess the full situation on Township roads and at our facilities.

We will post updates on the Township and Social Media sites as they become available.

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