A hundred year flood. Every hundred years or so, some areas of Minden have a Spring flood. But that scale has been altered as Minden had a hundred year flood in 2013. And then 2017. And 2019. And now 2026.
Some properties are flooded and the main bridge on Bobcaygeon road was temporarily closed for safety reasons. But through it all, the residents of Minden have remained optimistic. Because it has something special – a community.
This year marks a return of the Hundred Year flood, thanks to voracious rains after a snowy winter. But as the water levels rose so did the sense of community in the village.
Countless people came out to help protect the community from the floodwaters. Locals whose homes were threatened, business owners, community members who wanted to lend a helping hand – people even arrived from neighbouring regions to help the community. Students from Archie Stouffer Elementary School helped sandbag. Owners lent trucks and equipment to help flood efforts. For days, it was a constant stream of positive news about those helping support their neighbours.
There is a famous saying from Mr. Rogers who has shared his Mom’s advice about what to do during scary times: look for the helpers. And in Minden there were many.
What does this mean if you are looking to buy in or visit this amazing town of Minden? For most people, the knowledge that whatever comes, the community has your back. Nature happens. Life happens. But having a community to support you through the tough times is what makes us keep going. It’s why so many people choose to live here even if we are an hour’s drive from a McDonalds. Those who have moved here often say they fell in love with the people, their neighbours, the local businesses, and would not want to live anywhere else.
The majority of Haliburton County, including Minden, is safe from floodwaters. When buying a home it is important to check that you are not purchasing in a flood zone, and this is the case for anywhere. Today’s world is increasingly fraught with changing weather, doomsday news reports, and stories of negative encounters permeating our news feeds. But this is why in times like this it is important to look for the helpers, and know whatever comes, the community has your back.