The township of Minden Hills in Ontario has officially declared a state of emergency due to significant flooding impacting various areas in Haliburton County. Following a week of relentless rainfall combined with melting snow, water levels along the Gull River—flowing through Minden’s centre—have surged dramatically. The emergency declaration was issued on Tuesday afternoon as many streets in the downtown area succumb to rising waters.
Flooding Woes in Cottage Country
Historically, flooding has been a recurring challenge during the spring months in this iconic cottage country region. Past events in 2013 and 2019 wreaked havoc, inflicting substantial damage on homes and properties within Minden. The township has urged residents living in flood-prone areas to take immediate precautions to safeguard their properties and stay informed about the evolving situation.
In addition to the flooding, Bobcaygeon Road, situated just two kilometres north of Minden, has been rendered impassable due to a washout. Several other roads are experiencing restricted access for local traffic owing to ponding conditions, further complicating travel in the area. With forecasts predicting additional rain over the next ten days, anxiety surrounding potential further flooding persists.
Community Response and Resources
To aid residents in managing the crisis, sandbags are readily available at the Minden Curling Club parking lot, with an option for homeowners
