State of Emergency continues for County of Haliburton and Minden Hills Township

Media Release

April 11, 2025
State of Emergency continues for County of Haliburton and Minden Hills Township

On March 31^st, the County of Haliburton and the Township of Minden Hills together declared a state of emergency due to a significant weather event that took place between March 28th – March 30th. Since the start, recovery efforts have been taking place throughout the region and a County and Township emergency operations centre continues to monitor the situation.

As recovery efforts continue, we want to remind the public that the State of Emergency is still in place while the local municipalities address current conditions. Area residents are still without hydro and clean up efforts continue.

For those residents who need a warming centre, one has been established at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena (55 Parkside St., Minden), operating daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

During the continued State of Emergency, we want to remind the public of the following information:

• Please use caution on the roadways as there will be a phased clean-up process. The Township and County Roads staff are currently working to clear trees from the actual roadway in this phase. Their focus is to make the right-of ways safe for passage. The next phase will move to clearing the sides of the roadways. This will take time and it is important for drivers to use caution as some roads are narrow and there are trees on the side of the roadways.

• The County of Haliburton and the Township of Minden Hills are currently working on supports for cleanup efforts, with details to be released at a later date. A reminder that the Township of Minden Hills is currently waiving disposal fees for brush related to the weather event until further notice. Brush will be accepted at the Scotch Line Landfill only during this time, as this site can accommodate large quantities. Please do not place brush from your private property onto the shoulder of the roads. This creates a safety hazard.

• The County recognizes the damage many shoreline property owners have experienced because of the recent ice storm and accompanying strong winds, and that swift action may be required to prevent any further damage. If you need to do any storm-related vegetation removal, or any other work along your shoreline please notify us by visiting: https://forms.haliburtoncounty.ca/Shoreline-Storm-Damage-Reporting-Form.

• The Haliburton County Rail Trail is closed to the public at this time, while crews assess and repair damage from the ice storm. The public is advised to stay off the Rail Trail until further notice.

• Both the County of Haliburton and the Township of Minden Hills would like to advise residents that during ongoing recovery efforts, travel throughout the County should be limited. Many of our seasonal roads are still unpassable and travel to secondary properties is not encouraged at this time. Unnecessary travel at this time can pose a risk and a strain on emergency services.

• 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. Water levels remain high. A reminder to please stay away from lakes, rivers, and streams as water is moving quickly.

• During the recovery phase of an ice storm, it's important to stay vigilant to avoid potential scams. Be cautious of unsolicited offers for repairs or cleanup services—especially from individuals who show up unannounced or pressure you to make immediate decisions. If in doubt, consult local authorities and share your concerns.

• The County’s fire chiefs remind the public that fire restrictions are in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (daytime burning) daily as per Provincial legislation. No person shall start a fire outdoors during fire season, during the restricted time.

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For More Information Contact:
Angelica Ingram
Emergency Information Officer
County of Haliburton
communications@haliburtoncounty.ca