The following are brief reports of items discussed during a July 28 Minden Hills council meeting.

Flooding this spring cost the township about about $65000 roads superintendent Travis Wilson told councillors.

“We had quite a few road closures and a lot of damage done to the roads” Wilson said.

A report from the roads superintendent showed 331 regular hours and 108 overtime hours worked in the roads department dealing with flooding and flood damage.

Among the projects is a culvert along Blairhampton Road that must be replaced at the amount of $15000 and a culvert along Invergordon Avenue that must replaced to the tune of $12000.

Drainage studies

The township will embark on a series of drainage studies looking for solutions for areas of Minden Hills prone to springtime flooding most located in low-lying areas.  The studies will define natural water courses provide cost estimates for proposed works and provide proof of due diligence for flood prevention. Studies will be conducted for Moore Lake Estates Peck Street Prince Street and Beaver Creek and cost approximately $90000.

Trail improvements

Council granted Whitewater Ontario permission to make improvements to a trail on township property at the Minden Wild Water Preserve.

Changes will include the additional of wood chips to the trails the construction of rock steps for access to the river and picnic tables and benches that will become the responsibility of the township.

The Horseshoe Lake dam located at the site is being replaced by Parks Canada and Reeve Brent Devolin noted the new structure will include a public walkway and said the project by Whitewater Ontario would dovetail with the work on the dam.

Councillor Pam Sayne said it was important for the area to retain its natural aesthetic.

“That’s why people go there” Sayne said.