The Ontario Flood Map above shows where warnings were in effect as of 7 p.m. on Apr. 14, 2026. (Province of Ontario)
RELATED: Santa’s Village ‘under water’ amid flooding in Bracebridge, Ont.
“Use caution around area lakes, rivers, creeks and other water sources such as ditches, as high water levels and swift currents can create unstable and hazardous conditions,” the town’s announcement said.
Municipalities are required under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to “develop and implement an emergency management program.”
Rising water levels on the Gull River, which flows right through Minden Hills, Ont., prompted the township to declare a state of emergency. (Submitted to CBC by Shauna Boshier)
When a municipality declares a state of emergency under the act, it is able to exercise more power, which can include regulating or prohibiting travel, closing down public or private establishments, and getting additional assistance and resources from other levels of government.
WATCH: The dangers of flash floods and washouts
This article was originally published for CBC News on April 14. Header image courtesy of Bob Carter/Township of Minden Hills via CBC News.