Closures and impacts of Significant Weather Event - March 30

In response to a major freezing rain event in the area, The County of Haliburton, the Township of Minden Hills, the Township of Algonquin Highlands, the Municipality of Highlands East, and the Municipality of Dysart et al have declared a Significant Weather Event at 3:00 p.m. local time that will impact travel and services throughout the County. This declaration is made pursuant to Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.

This significant weather event has and will continue to impact Township operations over the next few days. Until conditions improve and the significant weather event ends, please check for updates and service impacts before attending Township facilities.

For Sunday, March 30, 2025:

• All Township of Algonquin Highlands facilities and waste disposal sites are CLOSED
• The Dorset Recreation Centre is CLOSED
• Frost Centre Ski Trails are CLOSED

There is potential for extended closures as impacts of this weather event may continue to effect Township operations into next week. Continue to check for updates before attending Township facilities

Municipal workforces will continue to provide maintenance operations, but for safety considerations, operations may need to be temporarily suspended. 

A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) will be issued for the Stanhope Municipal Airport for no winter maintenance being performed. Fueling for emergency services will continue. Please visit the Townships website for contact information. 

Users of the roads and sidewalks within the Municipality are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to use caution if doing so. Please remain a safe distance back from maintenance equipment, and drive according to conditions.

Environment Canada has issued a major ice storm warning for this weekend with the following weather hazard(s) for our region, updated Sunday, March 30, 4:30 a.m:

What: Prolonged period of freezing rain. Significant ice accretion. Total ice accretion amounts of 10 to 20 mm, with amounts in excess of 25 mm possible. Widespread power outages. Icy and slippery conditions.

When: Now into Sunday afternoon.

Additional Information: Significant freezing rain is expected again tonight. Freezing rain will change to rain on Sunday as temperatures rise above zero degrees.

Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.

Recommended actions
Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Beware of branches or electrical wires that could break under the weight of ice.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.