Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Media Release # 25-38

Re:      Township Declares State of Emergency Due to Ice Storm – Update #4

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. While we remain in a state of emergency, our operation will have limited ability to respond to non-emergency related inquiries. We thank you for your patience.

We have established a dedicated Township storm related email icestorm2025@mindenhills.ca. This account will be monitored by staff during business hours.

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.

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.

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

Red Cross has assisted with cots and blankets which are set up in the gymnasium at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena / Community Centre. There is also a kitchen set up with complimentary food and refreshments for the community.

This facility will be open 24 hours a day at this time. 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.

Daytime Burning Restrictions

Daytime burning restrictions from April 1 to October 31 each year are in place due to provincial legislation for our area (O.Reg 207/96 Outdoor Fires Forest Fire Prevention Act RSO 1990).

Other Updates & Information

Our communication channels are operational. Many staff are assisting 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 regarding 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

• Water is available at the Old Fire Hall (Prince St., Minden), fees are waived currently to fill your water containers.
• 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).

No Programming at the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena

There is no programming at the SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena during the emergency. It is the community warming centre and staff are assisting with this operation. 

-END-