Minden Hills Ont., a small town in Haliburton County, is currently facing a state of emergency due to flooding. The rising water levels on the Gull River have led to road closures, prompting the township to establish an evacuation center in the community.
The declaration of the state of emergency was made on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in response to the escalating water levels on the Gull River, coupled with the forecast of continued rainy and warmer weather for the next five to 10 days. In an update provided on Thursday, the town announced the conversion of its local arena and community space into an evacuation center and advised residents to avoid flooded areas for their safety.
The town emphasized that regular operations would be disrupted as many staff members have been reassigned to address emergency-related tasks and inquiries. The hazardous road conditions, including potential washouts and water over roadways, have led to warnings from the Ontario Provincial Police advising essential travel only in the area.
Local resident Caitlin Pye shared her experience, describing the ongoing challenges she faces with flooding in her basement and the concern of potential evacuation if the situation worsens. Pye humorously likened her situation to feeling like a “princess on a moat” as she monitors the water levels around her home.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged the flooding situation in Minden during a separate news conference, highlighting the readiness of volunteers to support affected communities. The Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning Program has issued flood watch alerts for various regions in southern Ontario, extending from Sudbury in the north to the GTA in the south.
Under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, municipalities are mandated to establish emergency management programs. When a state of emergency is declared, municipalities have the authority to take necessary actions to safeguard property and the well-being of residents within the emergency area.
The flooding in Minden and surrounding regions underscores the importance of preparedness and community support in managing natural disasters effectively.