Questions, Feedback

The ScribblerComputerfella is a 12 year resident of Restoule, having retired here in 1996. He is a computer enthusiast and enjoys offering a forum for news about Restoule and environs. Email: computerfella AT gmail.com

168 Responses

  1. Ok………good luck with the info.

    • Lake is ice free now. Have at it

    • My wife and I were up Easter weekend as well. It was for the most part great weather and was also nice to see so many people making the trip for the weekend!

    • Anyone know if Mill Bay has the docks and boats in he water yet??? how has the activity on the lake been as well…we have had hot/cold/rain/sleet..funny up and down days in Southern ontario so wanted to know what conditions are like for north shore of Lake Restoule traffic…waiting to get the boat in the water…

  2. Hi, we are heading up to Restoule for Easter weekend and will be home on the Sunday evening.
    I’ll check the Scribbler when we get home and if you haven’t heard anything by then, I’ll let you know of the ice situation.

    • Thanks for the offer Lee but I am hoping to make the trip up for Easter as well….kinda need to know before.

  3. Hi Dave,
    My name is Jeff Evans, and my parents (Joe and Jean) live over on Porters Landing Road (I live in the Bay, but I’m in Restoule the majority of the time).
    I have created a website of (mostly) nature photographs of which a most have been taken in the Restoule and Nipissing area. Just thought I would give myself a plug!
    The website address is hevansphotos.com
    Thanks Dave,
    Jeff Evans

  4. Looking for Restoule lake ice report – I have a water access cottage on Restoule and would come this weekend (Mar 24) if lake is open. I heard things are starting to open up

    • Looking at the satellite pic from today I was coming here to post the same type of question. Does anyone have a ‘prediction’ for soft water?

      • 11AM March 22 : Just got a report that ice is rotting, has turned black but is still there. Boating by weekend appears out of the question, but ice out by next weekend a possibility

        • Finally a clear satellite shot with no clouds and Commanda & Restoule look black which to me means either open water or very very poor ice. Can anyone comment or confirm?

          Would really appreciate it. Thanks!!

          • Can anyone…will anyone…… comment on ice out conditions?

            Is there still ice on Restoule, if so how much and how long will it last based on the next 5-7 day forecast?

            Thanks!

  5. Can anyone post the proposed location of the Bell tower?

    Thanks!

    • Supposed to be close to, but before the entrance to Lake Restoule Inn road…. On the farm property.

      • Do you know when approximately this is suppose to go up?

        • Clifford Shamy representative of both Bell and Rogers says the tower has been purchased, and they are waiting for a couple of governement approvals. He expects the tower in this summer or fall.

          • That is great! Thanks for the reply.

          • what approval for what?????the site has been leased for years….just put it up……use Southern ontario time…cell tower installed in a few days….this is ridiculous…just stall tactics…..

            • Laurie, apparently there are federal approvals, which were received, but lapsed due to Bell’s delays. They had to go back and get things reapproved. Great eh?

  6. Can someone please inform me of any annual golf tournaments or events held in and around Restoule during the season? It would be much appreciated.

    Thanks in advance,

    Bill

    • The Lion’s Club holds an annual Memorial Cow Pasture Golf Tournament in honour of Glen Smith. I don’t know of any other golf tournaments. The nearest golf courses are in Calendar, or Powassan. However, there are quite a few golfers in the area and I’m sure you would have no problem getting a game.

  7. Does anyone in the Restoule area have an ATV with a snowblower or a small farm tractor with a 5′ or 6′ blower? Do you know someone local that has one? I would like to hire someone to clean up around my house. You can contact me through this site. Thanks in advance.

  8. Ice Snow Conditions?

    Anybody have any updates on the Ice and or Snow Conditions in the Restoule area? I would like do some ice fishing on Restoule and Stormy, any information would be appreciated. Any huts on the lakes yet?

  9. Any snow yet???

    • same thing I am wondering…mild and cool days then windy rainy days but still now white stuff…..let’s hope the tower gets started…not sure what the delay needs to be for…just put it up!!!!!!

  10. no idea but I am sure the locals have seen it all and can let yoiu know

    • How much snow is there in Restoule? I heard there was to be 25-35cm over the last couple of days.
      We will be up the weekend of December 16/11.

      Lee

    • Just a dusting last night. Yesterday, it was 30% grass and about 2″ of snow in the shady spots.

  11. Has anyone had any concerns about green algae located across from the government dock? We were canoeing by there this afternoon and noticed several large blooms. My understanding of this algae is that it can be quite concerning. I would appreciate your comments/feedback. Thanks!

  12. I recently got a Satellite phone for my water access cottage. Since 911 can not be used on a sat phone I looked up the Northbay Emergency Communications Centre (705-724-2016). Is there any way to contact Restoule Fire and Rescue Directly or is there a better way to access emergency help?

    • Brian, I too have a satellite phone, if you find a number for Restoule Fire and Rescue please let me know as well.

      Debra Valevicius
      north shore, Lake Restoule

      • must stop by Deb on my paddle into the bay….what stellar weather to date….want to know how the sat phone works out…just thinking maybe since the vlolunteer fire dept chaps in Restoule will be the ones to respond in a
        911 emergency getting and having the fire chief and deputy chiefs phone number might be a grand idea….what a shame 911 does not work using sat
        phone service…

    • could you not have the phone numbers for the local fire chief and deputy
      fire chief as they and the volunteer fire department in Restoule would be the unit that responds to the emergency…..

  13. What is everyone’s guess for Ice Out date on Restoule?

    • Since I haven’t been up for a few weeks to see the lake, I’m going to take a stab at it and say Good Friday April 22, 2011.

    • thanks for the feedback on this one…cottagers really appreciate this information……looking forward to some nice sunny spring days to dry things up….

    • Sounds like the gang of you are shooting for this weekend….needing some balmy days to dry things up….any news..what is new in town? Like all the grand changes to Gerry’s or rather Not Gerry’s…..looking forward to the frist boat crossing….

  14. Thank you to all in Restoule, Ontario for the entire experience. My parents spent all they could afford and it is nothing compared to the fun, friendship, and the basic principals of life. I have so many fond memories of walking to Kinzits (???) I was soooo small. Ken Hoffman called me “chick” , and I will never forget the Northern Lights…
    LONG LIVE THE ORANGEMAN’s DANCE HALL and Leonard Grawbarger . I will never taste donuts ever again like Mae’s. To Fred the squaredance caller…”

  15. We’re coming up for the May 24th weekend and I’d like to know how the blackfly situation is. Would someone please let me know asap.

    Thanks, L.

    • Not all that bad. I cut grass yesterday morning and they didn’t bother me. Your mileage may vary. :-)

    • BiteOur friends who are building on Florence Island had quite a shock on Monday May 24 at around 4:00 in the afternoon. His wife just put her feet in the water off the dock and was grabbed by a big muskie. She said that her feet weren’t in the water long just a couple of seconds and the muskie wrapped his mouth around her whole foot. We have photo’s but I don’t know how to add them. I researced it and they said that a muskie will grab anything that is 30% of it’s size. I guess he thought her foot was a duck.Muskie bite

      • Are you sure it was a muskie? I was bitten as I was standing on our steps to go into the water by a snapping turtle!!!! My hubbie donned snorkel and mask as I screamed and sure enought there was this huge ass snapper under the dock!!!!!!!!!!!

        • Yes, Laurie

          She saw the tail of the fish ! I heard of your bite. What time of year was it?

          Turtles don’t have teeth they bite with their sharp jaw and if you look closely at the first photo you’ll see the teethmarks.

          I’ve seen the babies of the snapper. The LAMBS have many photos of what looks like the BIG mom or dad. I think the snapper lives near the point where it’s sort of swampy. To the west of Marshall’s.

          My friends are way past Porters and the island is known for the abundance of Muskie’s hiding amongst the rocks. It is spawning season and the water isn’t usually warm enough at this time of year to put your feet in. I know that they spawn at this time of year and they love shallow water with shade not direct heat as is found under a long dock. We have one under our dock as well. In fact it got caught in our ladder a couple of years ago. we had to remove the ladder because he/she was stuck. I took a movie. Then dropped it back in the water. Last weekend we saw one jump in the shallow water between our pier and floating dock. From research I read that they look for fish or ducks or anything that is 30% of it’s size.

          Deb

          • forgot to mention that she pulled a couple of the teeth out of her foot and they were definately from a fish!

          • well another snapper was back at the foot of our ladder..so we took it for a nice boat ride and re located it….I can tell you the snapper last year really nipped my calf…my concern is what it that had been a youngsters fingers as they reached down into the water to grab the thermometer or something…why they attack is of no consequence the fact they do is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            • Laurie,

              that is scary, a fish you can blame it on the spring spawning but the snapping turtle is really disturbing.

              Did you find it this past weekend? Where did you relocate it, because i think they can find their way back especially if they have little ones. How did you find him again, did you use a flashlight to check and does he always sit in the same place so that you can grab him?

              • I only mentioned the season because if we know that after a certain date they aren’t worried about their eggs either fish or turtles, then we can feel comfortable swimming going into june and july as long as they aren’t hunting for food for their young

              • he was just at the foot of our ladder sitting on the bottom of the lake and them hubby netted him..we took him almost to Porters Landing..this is the third snapper we have had to relocate!

                anyone who says they do not bite is nuts!!!!!!!!!!

                • hey Deb oh faithful regualar..reasearching the satelitte phone option and not sure which model you folks purchased..the Globstar site from Texas offers the package for 300.00 with the dollar almost a par we should get the same price..hubby wants to know what model you are using is it the 1700 I think..just let me know…looks like a great option and with the new satellites being launched…what a shame when in S.Ontario the cell towers are almost every few miles for adequate coverage…

                • I understand snapping turtles are good eating. I have no idea how to clean or prepare one. Are you allowed to catch them to eat? Are you allowed to dispose of them if you think they are a threat to swimmers?

      • What size foot is that? I am going to try to make a fishing lure just like the picture. Which end of the foot should you put the hook? I would love to catch a Muskie. I have an old pair of smelly boots that I could leave the lure in over night before fishing. Maybe the lure could pick up a scent that will attract Muskies. Do you think jigling a foot shaped lure at the end of docks around Florence Island would work?

        • Cant wait to try my luck…must be a big fish…I am wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find preformed mantles for my propane lights in my cottage. The place I used to by them no longer carriers them. Any advice would be appreciated.

          • I have picked them up at the Home Hardware in Sundridge ~ $11.50 a piece.

          • Any bite is dangerous and should never be taken lightly..a fellow I know was bitten by a cayman he had in his reptile store…the bite that looked like just a nasty bite later got infected and he was on deaths door as his whole system started to shut down and the mega doses of antibiotics were not working…so…get those tetnaus shots and watch any bite that breaks the skin….brave girl she was!!

    • Noticing highway into Restoule from Trout Creek is going to be paved…wonder if residents notice any delays and if it is a better idea to come off of Powassan to miss the resurfacing mess? any advice from locals??? great to see the work being done…

      • Hi Laurie..the 534 highway to Powassan is also having some paving work done…drove through there yesterday but they werent working so no delays

    • snapping turtle went after my electric motor this week. couldn’t believe it. fishing on the west side of the park. i looked down towards the motor because i thought i hit a rock and a snapper was biting the motor.

      interesting to say the least.

      • I find this goes right along with what I have said…a snapper is a snapper and will bite anything…not to be fooled with around docks and swimmers and young ones….great biting a motor…this could have been a young childs toe in the water…or worse yet a man as he skinny dips on a moon lit night!!!!!!!!!!!

  16. Not sure where to post this question….Can you please tell me when the landfill site will be open on the long weekend and what hours? Also, is it still $50?

    The info in the ‘points of interest’ appears to be last years dates etc.

    Thanks!

    • Hi, Dave

      I’m the Landfill Secretary. This year our site will be open Sunday and Monday, May 23 & 24, from 12 noon until 5pm. This year’s fees are still $50 residential, $200 commercial.

      Thanks for the comment – we’ll put a notice on the website!

  17. Spring Melt?

    I have to believe things are ahead of schedule with the lakes. Is safe travel out of the question now on Commanda, Restoule, Stormy? Are we headed for an early ice out? Without holding anyone to it, does anyone want to predict when we might see open water?

    Everyone stay safe.

    • No one want to comment? How is the ice doing?

      • The ice is gone for about 8-10′ out from shore. Looks weak. I don’t ice fish so I have no idea about the thickness or when it is likely to go out. Due to be cooler next week with highs just around freezing.

        • Anyone know if the ice is gone now from Commanda? Safe to put docks in yet?

          • There is still a skin of ice on Commanda as viewed from the road. There are many areas near the shore which are ice free.

            • I drove to the dump today and could see no ice at that end of Commanda Lake. Don’t know about the eastern/southern areas.

    • Easter – Are there any Easter weekend events planned or special dinners anywhere like the churches or Crowsnest?

      • There is a pancake breafast on Good Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. with any donation going to the youth program. On Easter Sunday evening, there will be a toast and jam time of fellowship after the evening service.

    • Can someone please give me an update on the ice out? How are Commanda, Restoule and Stormy?

      • No ice on the western end of Commanda Lake, but don’t know about the other end. Restoule is clear near Mill Bay Marine with a skin of ice on the rest I could see from Martin’s Camp. No idea about the other lakes.

        • Does anyone keep a log of the ice out dates for Restoule Lake? If so would you be willing to share the date for each year?

          Looks like it was a beautiful day yesterday 27.8*.

          How close are we now?

          Thanks!

          • We were in Restoule Easter weekend and there is no snow or ice to be found!!!
            Actually there was a fire ban on if you can believe it!!!

          • Ice went off Commanda Lake April 25 1959
            April 24 1960
            May 2 1961
            April 14 1963
            April 21 1964
            By Alice Atchison
            Snow storm Oct.6 1964
            Snow storm Oct 24 1957

      • We opened April 24th weekend and it was beautiful!!!! No blackflies on North Shore! Some at Porters and the Marina

        • Well delayed the cottage opening due to the storm conditons and high winds predicted for the area…southern ontario was hit with terrific winds and generally yucky weather..last week running in shorts today wearing touqe and mittens…well will head up with the trillions on May 24..looking forward to seeing the changes to the area…very impressed last year with the modifications to Gerry’s store…..hear the Crow’s Nest has also done some great stuff..well any news…now what about those BFlies can’t even say the word…rumor has it they are out and about…

          • There were very few flies last week. I’m hoping the coating of snow Saturday sufficated some of them. :-)

            • Laurie, we opened 2 weeks ago and it was beautiful. Just came back from Restoule a couple of hours ago. Friday was beautiful, but Saturday got 6 inches of snow and it got really cold, 0 degrees, but fortunately as we were packing up to come home the sun came out and although it was still cold the snow melted on the boat and the dock. It was really weird, we’ve been there for 35 years and this is the first year we’ve opened this early and the first year we experience snow. As soon as we passed South River or acdtually Sundridge the snow was gone.

              • Many thanks for the update appreciate that…let us all keep fingers crossed we get some great summery weather this year…it is certainly over due!
                Yes let’s hope those B-flies got smootherd…would be nice to not have to don the gear and look like some alien as we haul ass all the stuff up to the cottage sweating buckets…and the little black things buzzing madly trying to find a blood meal!
                well rainy day now sunny but coolish in S.Ontario…no snow at all of course….well looking forward to the first crossing and heading into the cottage!!!!!!!!

          • Oh I forgot there were a few blackflies along the south shore, like the marina and Porters. But not many, and of course the north shore where you are and we are there were no black flies at all. Mind you it was awfully cold so it’s no wonder they weren’t out. I’ve heard that it will be a short blackfly season.

  18. Interested in the Ice and Snow conditions in Restoule. If anyone could provide some information it would be greatly appreciated. How much snow in the bush and on the lake? How much ice on Restoule and some of the smaller lakes like Stormy or Clear. How is the slush on the lakes?

  19. Has anyone heard any news about the Sand Lake Road logging truck issue recently?
    I can’t find any info on it.

    • You may get the most up-to-date information from:

      [ Payne, Dave ] [ District Manager ] [ 705-475-5599 ]
      Ministry of Natural Resources, North Bay.

    • I heard they were circling the wagons and going for another option. Great website–thanks for picking up my blog about Peter Learn.

  20. Hi,

    Has anyone heard about a New Year’s party in Restoule this year? We have really enjoyed the last two at the RCC and the Crowsnest. We need to plan ahead and get a babysitter.

    • I am curious if the crow`s nest is still open.
      I haven`t found any info on it.
      I was hoping to rent a room this weekend but have had no luck.

      Has anyone been out to see how much ice is on Restoule Lake???

  21. Would anyone know where I could buy wooden (alphabet) letters 6 to 9 inches high? I want to make an outdoor sign for my new nature center – Nature’s Corner – but am having a heck of a time finding wooden letters for the project. Thank you!

    • why not use some thinner pieces of white birch branches and cut them to the shape fo the letters…they would be more box eg. letter s but you are using natural wood…jsut hammer them on to you rwooden sign base…get some notty pine and stain it..clear and then using the birch it would look cool and outdoorsy!

  22. When boating a couple of weeks ago with some friends, we saw a very large Bald Eagle on a point on Commanda Lake. It is the first time I have seen one of these beautiful birds in the Restoule area. Has anyone else spotted one locally?

    • Hi,
      We saw a bald eagle Labour Day weekend flying across Commanda Lake near our cottage. We also saw him sitting in a tree on the island. Our cottage is directly across from the island.

  23. Good Day, any body in theRestoule area have damage from the storm on this past Thursday evening, Tornado?

    • Mike, No we had no damage to the cottage or any out buildings. We were hit with hail as well but no tornado I think that was more south in Vaughan

      Deb

      • As we were heading north that weekend our friends stopped in to get food at Gravenhurst and it was in ruin..trees uprooted…no power…lots of damage…we were not damaged by and wind just got a ton of rain by boat bailing and rivulets of mud everywhere

  24. Hey guys,

    This week i am on may way to Restoule Provincial Park. I have read alot about it and am very excited. My question is, Is there alot of wildlife sightings? I have been around many provincial parks up north, and have not spotted a bear, thats all i want. My wife thinks i am crazy but i think bears are awesome.

    and are the bugs bad?

    thanks.

    • We live 5 km from the park and have had two bears, a moose and many deer on the property this year. Bugs are not bad now, although there are some deer flies around.

      • Wow quick reply,, thanks.

        I cannot wait, i am hoping that the weather gets passed and it turns sunny for tues, weds,thursday.

  25. We all welcome Olivia Ann McVeety, proud parents are Jacob and Kim and big brother Cole. She is the most beautiful baby!!! I am her proud Grandma.

  26. Hi, just a quick note to those with cottages or homes out on Limberlost Point Rd. (near the end);
    Last weekend we had a black bear wandering through several properties early in the morning on both Saturday July 04th & Monday July 06th.
    Judging by its paw prints I’m guessing it’s only a few years old. Looked pretty lean too.
    We never keep discarded food items (recycling, garbage etc.) outdoors so hopefully it’s a temporary visit.
    Sean M.

    • Sean..we were out boating on the lake and we did the tour of the south shore…I saw the black bear and yes it was from your description it fits mine of a young one..it was dusk on Friday night and he was behind the cottage on the point before it makes the last bay…he was there on the 10th so yes folks keep an eye he was there…I saw him…last thing we need is a nuisance bear….it was at the south west corner..maybe we need a note on the Porters Landing board to warn cottagers..just and idea…

      • Laurie, yep it’s a nuisance bear indeed. He tore the door open on our shed just over a week ago. It’s a solid wood-framed shed but that didn’t seem to bother him! (Not one of those garden sheds in case anyone is wondering)
        I believe this bear falls into the category of nuisance…
        ie.
        - Has not shown much fear of us.
        - He’s grunted and snorted at us with each encounter/sighting
        - He has returned several times a week since we’ve started coming up (End of May)
        FYI:
        MNR has no problem with homeowners/landowners using necessary force to eliminate the problem. We’ve contacted them and all they ask is to report when the bear has been destroyed.
        I hope it does not come to that but the safety of our children at the cottage takes precedent!
        I’ll ask at Gerry’s store if they are ok with us putting up a notice. Laurie, please feel free to post something at Porters’s.

        • many thanks Sean for your update on the Bear Situation.We are all of the same mind as yourself and would do whatever it takes to rid our area of a nuisance bear for the safety of all concerned.
          I have posted a warning at Porters Landing but will also let folks know of this web site..not many folks must avail themselves…I love what Computerfella is doing and support all his ventures to keep folks connected.
          Please let us know of any updates concerning this roaming nuisance and I agree that a warning posted at Gerr’ys is a fine idea…again rest assured we all support your concern and any measure needed to eradicate….

      • No-one has said where the bear is! Is it on Comanda or Restoule? We are on the north shore of Restoule near the west end of the lake across from Green and Dry Island.

        We had the bears into our cottage 7 times in 1978. We certainly do not want a repeat of that!!! That Black bear almost destroyed our cottage!

        Unfortunately we will be encountering problems in the future since there have been cancellations of the bear hunts. Just wait until someone is mauled!

        In 1978 the dumps were burned and buried, where the bears eat daily. Since there was nowhere for them to get their food (and don’t fool yourself, they do not eat berries!!!! they’ve been feasting on the dumps for years) they broke into most cottages on the far west north shore of Restoule.

        Now the dump in Restoule is only open Wednesday, saturday and sunday. And we are all recycling and coddeling our garbage, but it is almost impossible to deposit the garbage at the dump so most of us are taking it home.

        Many times I have walked in to deposit my garbage, not anymore since on many occasions I have encountered bears!!

        So folks whatever you do, do not walk in when the dump is closed!!!!!

        Debra Valevicius

        • Debra the bear was wandering on the back of the cottage on the west end of the back bay. I know where you folks are we are down two cottages from you so I share your concern. That is why I posted this warning.
          If you are in the back bay where the lone cottage is off of the south shore it was wandering on the point. It was on the west end. in the first bay not our bay on the north shore…still we need to be vigilant…Yes we do same as you…garbage is taken home and nothing at all left outside..even barbeque is burned off leaving nothing to chance.

          • Laurie, I think you’re mixing me up with the Edwards. We’re in the bay with the long 120ft floating dock. 2 away from the edwards.

            Deb

            • Yes I must be mixing you up with them…we are right across from Green Island I think it is…okay you folks are in the bay…will wave when I kayak down your end..I am in the red kayak and love the scenery down your end..so nice an peaceful..let us hope that the bear taken down was the one roaming on the point that Sean and I both have seen…we are with you on the bear score…things can get ugly quickly and no one wants to have to warn friends and relatives and worry kids..so let’s hope it was the same bruin..

        • The bear in question was snooping around the end of Limberlost Point Road on Commanda Lake.

          • i just want to know when the bear in question is no longer a threat to families…property damage is just the start…Sean painted a picture quite clearly of a nuisanse bear.

            • Hi all…just wanted to let you know that I have it on good authority that a nuisance bear was put down in the Limberlost Road area last week. Don’t know how far they travel so I dont know if it would be the same one as the one on the south west end of Restoule, but lets hope so, and lets also hope that summer is finally here to stay

  27. Coming up to Restoule Provincial Park in the 1st week of July, unfortunately they don’t have canoe rentals, just wondering if anyone knows of a place where I can rent one for the week.

    Thanks,

    • Mill Bay Marine. You will pass it on your way to the park. It is located at the south end of Lake Restoule, 9 km before the park

    • Well wonder how the lovely black flies are.We were up at the cottage on Sunday and awoke to snow falling…yikes..well at least the black flies were too cold to fly.
      It did not stay on the ground but nasty to see it all the same.
      Congrats again on the helipad…Hubby and I contributed and know something like this is so valuable to this community. Just wish cell phone coverage and internet reliablity were equally as important. Percy want to let you know Porters looks great but wondered who was taking charge of the covered overcommunication board… I would gladly re–cover it inside to make it more user friendly if someone wants me to….even a place where folks can leave communication for friends and family and contractors etc…well

  28. Hello all, my family and I have been coming to Restoule all of our lives and love every minute we are there. My question is dealingwith the fishing regulations concerning where the fish sanctuary begins and ends. The rule book says “Restoule Lake and River – Patterson
    Twp., that part in Lots 24 and 25,
    Concs. III and IV.” Can some one tell me exactly where this is on the lake?

  29. How bad have the Black Fly’s been?

    • Not biting yet but they are out but lots more to come.

    • we were opening the Victoria last weekend. The black flies are always bad on the south shore especially if there is no wind. However Friday was beautiful, Saturday and Sunday got chilly and windy, no black fly can survive that. Monday was spectacular, but we are north shore and there were’nt any black flies. Back to Porters and the Marina, swarms of them. We don’t care though. It is so beautiful you deal with whatever is thrown at you! Looking forward to a great summer. Rain or shine.

      • Ditto to you Debra…there were no words to describe the north shore….our little secret. Mark and I were also up this Fri – Monday. Loons were frolicking and we were soaking up the sun and doing the opening up chores with grins on our faces.
        So nice to be back up to Restoule.
        Saw one cottage on north shore as we did the tour that lost a chunk of roof to tree fall..all in all not a bad winter considering the locals say it was not kind with snow fall ice and such. Well let us hope the bugs stay at bay and hug the south shore.
        Cannot believe the construction on HWY 11.

  30. Why do you not provide a link to the Powassan and District Union Public Library site?
    It seems strange that you are listed on the Library site, but do not choose to reciprocate.

    • Merely an oversight, Arnold. It was on my old site but got lost in the suffle. I’ll rectify it soon.

  31. i for one am appalled @ the fact that no recognition of the passing of a founding father of restoule and a good friend of mine went un noticed _-i”m speeking of jerry vervaeke _-it would be nice to see something posted about him so yhe family of one of my best friends __larry could see it _that”s all i have to say for now ____

  32. I’m sorry I haven’t thought to thank computerfella for this forum. It is nice that you have made a place for us to share thoughts and issues about our comunity. I stumbled on it when I was trying to find out more about my isp nemissis.
    And ya, the logo is cool, I hope to see it on a t shirt or hat soon :0)

    Thanks again. Phil.

  33. Mona, the Restoule logo was designed by myself. The maple leaf represents Canada, the trillium being Ontario’s flower represents Ontario and the waves represent Lakes Restoule and Commanda.

    I’m working on getting it ready for embroidery later this sprijng.

  34. Hi Dave,

    Don’t mean to change the subject about Netspectrum… but Nice Restoule logo… who designed it? It’s colourful enough… would look good on t-shirts and/or caps, or something. :)

  35. My understanding was that we would/could only get some cell phone/blackberry connection if the Bell tower had been erected..North shore residents just squeaked in to the range but that project has been squashed leaving us back where we were before..completely cut off. It is so frustrating as we already had invested in analog phone system using microwave cable that worked perfect.
    My understanding is that internet connection in the Restoule area is very unreliable as well. This whole thing cell phone/internet is about $. Restoule we are talking no coverage at all. the Firetower looks like a grand site for a tower! I wold really like to know how the logging trucks and people are going to communicate with one another! How will any emergency be communicated? I guess we just wait until one happens and then worry about it!

  36. If you are able to get a broadband connection at your site, then you could use Skype for phone calls – outgoing at least. I suppose yoiu can receive calls as well as long as the computer is on.

    As for Bell, I`m sure it is written somewhere that we as taxpayers have no rights at all. AARRRRGGGHHHH!

  37. I would like to know about phone service as well.

    Don’t we have a right to have some sort of service. They have call centres in India and we can’t get phone service on the North Shore of Lake Restoule.

    Or would Internet ‘VOIP’ work from the cottage.

    Deb

  38. Thank you so much for your technical insight and coherent explanation.

  39. While I am waiting for wireless internet service….Can someone explain to me how home based internet users establish a website? I am knowledgeable about company based websites ( i.e. using their own servers) and designing/writing webpages, but how does someone using a home dial up internet provider get a web page set up on the internet? Do you really need good upload/download speeds to manage a small home based business webpage? I have dial up 18.3 – 26.0 kbps Ontera as my home service provider at the moment. Would I go through my service prodvider for a webpage or elsewhere? tnxs for the Restoule Scribbler site, computerfella :) It’s awesome!

    • Diane, check to see if Ontera provides you with free web space. Sympatico and Vianet give users 5 megabytes of space free. It is to be used for you personal web site. The only difference between these sites and a commercial site is you can’t run scripts or programs from you web personal space. Things using the Perl language are only supported on hosted (paid for) sites. You can still run a site that is hosted with dial up but if you are not doing anything special you don’t need a hosted site.

      You could also use Blogger or WordPress if Ontera doesn’t give you free space. The Scribbler sits on the wordpress.com site at the address. http://computerfella.wordpress.com. It is free. You can sign up for a free site as well. The only advantage of high speed is uploading or downloading big files such as pictures. Just faster but still possible on dial up. The Restoule site was started years ago using dial up.

  40. I was wondering if you had any recent updates on Bell’s plans to install a cell tower in Restoule?

  41. Thanks for the kind words Phil. Other than the newspaper articles to which I referred on the main page, I don’t do any active news gathering. If someone has an item, I will consider it for posting, but I don’t have the time to go out and get the news.

  42. Over the last year since my family and I became “permanent” residents of Restoule I have been following your site. Congratulations. The recent events concerning the lumber industry and Restoule have captured my interest. Perhaps I am not looking in the right place but I could not find anything other than the Nippissing site on your web pages. Is your web site of Restoule providing coverage? Regards
    Phil Cook

  43. I was having trouble getting online to certain sites during the day. I finally called my service provider and they told me the trouble was in my wireless router. They sent me simple instructions(for me they have to be simple) and it fixed everything fine. I can now get online when I want, with no wait.

  44. Diane : Good comments, but some clarifications are needed…

    Netspectrum: “”Their main deal is the installation of antennas, towers, receivers, etc… they will, I understand,be servicing Restoule Park with high speed service in the very near future. It appears that they offered Restoulians internet service initially because no other internet provider was ready to offer it to our area.”"

    And there still isn’t…

    “”Netspectrum, I learned, is the company that installs the tower and home equipment for internet providers like Ontera”"

    One thing that needs to be made clear is Netspectrum is not going away and all others like Ontera are just re-selling their service. That is why they (Netspectrum) OWNS the tower, the system and your home equipment. You will never see an Ontera tech come to your home to do the wireless broadband install.

    Ontera will make a couple of bucks off of each subscriber they sign up and since they don’t offer any broadband wireless themselves in the area, it is just another revenue stream. The same goes for Vianet; all services with the exception of dial-up are simple reselling for the likes of Bell (DSL), Rogers/Cogeco (Cable Modems), and Netspectrum (wireless).

    So when you switch to Ontera you will still be using the Netspectrum system, which I might add like Vianet; Ontera will have no direct control over the main wireless system and that’s why Vianet is “trying” to resolve the bandwidth issue and not simply resolving it!

    And this is also why Ontera is “trying” to get Netspectrum to move their gear onto someone else’s tower (Bell).

    What is the purpose of erecting towers everywhere and spending millions of the taxpayers dollars in the first place? Surely, there are cheaper technologies like SPOT offered by Rogers Cable to make people feel safe… Safety is not the same thing as convenience…

    “”Some Restoulians have been a wee bit upset with the lack of weekend and evening tech service offered by Net Spectrum (their internet service provider). I hear (from a reliable source) that the level of service will not change because Netspectrum really isn’t into providing internet service .”"

    Netspectrum is a “division” of Spectrum 2000 Group, a wireless radio company based in Sudbury Ont., their focus is selling and servicing mostly Motorola two-way radios for communications.

    http://www.spectrum2000.com

    They are NOT experts at IP networking, security, or application servers. Netspectrum resells wireless broadband internet access as does Vianet, and others on behalf of the Spectrum2000 Group.

    What Netspectrums’ and the reseller’s (Vianet, Ontera, etc) users really need to be concerned about is the lack of security both on their wireless systems and on their application servers (email, etc).

    I’d be curious to see what speeds the folks in Restoule are getting from Netspectrum/Vianet, I would encourage users to use the http://www.speedtest.net tool (which is excellent) to test the speed of their connection. Please post your results for all to peruse. I will be shocked if you are getting what you are paying for each month.

    Oh ya Bell does offer wireless broadband services in many areas, they use WiMax instead of Wi-Fi. What Bell seems to be doing is going to all of these areas serviced by Netspectrum and once they have a subscriber base, Bell will come in and offer competing services…

    DB

    If you want to be Bell Canada, you have to do a better job than Bell Canada. If not, you are the same, if not worse…

  45. Terrific that you are doing that Greg.We are also seasonal residents and sent our letter to support the petition. Scott was very pleased. Having followed behind a logging truck up in Kenora and having a stone flung at our windshield cracking it Ican tell you that is the least this could cause.
    I applaud the residents for their dedication to stopping this. The helipad project is another terrific venture this beautiful town has succeded in working towards.

  46. The only email address I have for Scott is:

    millbay@efni.com

  47. Could you please provide an email contact for Scott at Mill Bay. We are seasonal residents but would like to support the petition against the logging road, if there is still time to do so. Thank you.

  48. There have been concrete trucks over the bridge before. As well the Ministry of Transportation has said it can handle fully loaded logging trucks.

    You may want to contact the Minstry of Transportation directly.

    447 Mckeown Avene Suite 301 North Bay, ON P1B 9E4 Phone: (705) 472-7900

  49. Hello, I’m new to this website and have to say it’s great! well done. We own a property on Limberlost and have been coming up to the area for over 25yrs but for the life of me I cannot recall the weight limit for Hawthorne drive bridge over the creek. Can anyone remember what it is? We are planning on building this year and need a cement truck to deliver the concrete.
    Thanks in advance! If not, can anyone point me in the right direction?

  50. Oh yes they already built a tower behind Zees and we all know what happened there…and then the tower that only a few homes got any reception…guess it is all about the fact that this area services so few people..where we live inside of a week’s time they had constructed a huge hideous tower right by a residential area..well this was not acceptable to the residents and they had hoped to slide it through unnoticed..well it got hauled down pretty quick…so I know for a fact they can build them in no time..we saw one go up and down in Ancaster inside of a month! Complete with building and concrete pad!

  51. Laurie, there is no problem putting up the tower. Bell is notifying nearby owners and then will proceed. Their timeline says 2008 to install the tower but we are hoping it will be built in time for the tourist season… but don’t hold your breath. Big companies take a long time to move.

  52. Not sure if any of this will help us..we are on the north shore of Restoule and would love to have anything to connect us in case of emergency..our analog service was cut leaving us with nothing..how kind!
    Our Blackberry cuts out 10 minutes west of Hwy#11..this is really ridiculous when you think of all the folks heading into the park and folks on the north shore..it is all really about safety..we do not have road access so that is an added glitch…what is the problem with putting up a tower!

  53. In the short term, I don’t think Bell has plans for wireless internet access. To the best of my knowledge, they use DSL which uses phone lines. However, there have been rumours of Bell getting into wireless distribution. I’ll be talking to Mr. Woods soon and will post any news.

  54. Do you know if when the bell tower gets installed will it give us sympatico high speed ? I emailed mr. woods
    but no answer back. Keep up the good work the site is very interesting.

  55. Michael, there are two groups:
    Restoule Local Services Board and Patterson Twp. Road Board.

    The Secretary for both is Jean Mohr, General Delivery, Restoule, Ontario P0H 2R0
    (705) 729-2873

  56. Could you please send me the adress and phone number for the municipal office responsible for the olive street area in restoule.
    Thank You
    mike

  57. Melissa and Travis Hamilton have a new daughter Makenna born on April 04/2008 weighing 7lbs/8.5oz.
    Proud grandparents are Michael Duquette of Newmarket, Rita Deschambault of Penetang and Susie and Hal Hamilton of Restoule.

  58. Thank you very much

  59. I have the number for the Crow’s Nest – it is 729-1549.
    Have a good day!

  60. Sorry Chris, I don’t have their number. The ownership has changed hands a couple of times now and the listing I have is no longer valid. It does not show up at the Canada 411 look up on the web either. Their new name is Crowsnet Lodge. I pass there each day and I know they are open, but with limited hours until the tourist season starts up again. Maybe Bell 411 has the listing. If anyone reading these comments knows the new number list it here please.

  61. Could you please send me the phone number for the Crowsnest, we would like to come and stay in Restoule this May long week-end and have lost are number for the motel and cannot find it anywhere.
    Thank You Chris Cranston

  62. so nice to be able to catch up on ya”ll when i can;t be there .
    HAPPY B DAY! aunt marg
    annyone that wishes to e mail me may do so
    it would be fun to see who of you are online
    by the way do ya have a chatroom set up there?
    annyhoo catch yaz later

    clobber999

  63. Great info Diane. This is the first I’ve heard of a BELL tower on Lakeview Dr. What is the source of your information on the Bell cell tower. It will be apprecated if it does actually get installed.

    As for the broadband Internet service, the 100 foot tower constructed last fall on Steve Grawbarger’s property was, as you say, installed by Netspectrum as part of a Blue Sky Economic Development project. There are three Internet Service Providers (ISP) using the tower – Vianet, Netspectrum and Ontera. The level of service (bandwidth / speed) is the same for all there.

    I’ve been talking with Vianet complaining about the slow speed of the Lakeview tower. They are working with Netspectrum trying to get the speed issue resolved. Since wireless broadband is a shared service the same as broadband over CATV. What we need is more overall bandwidth for the whole system. Vianet says Netspectrum did not anticipate the ‘take up’ and need more bandwidth for us to share.

    I sure hope it get better soon. Btw, I was told to contact the Vianet billing department as they are good at giving a rebate when service is poor. We’ll see.

    Your suggestion of using the Scribbler to keep the area informed is good. The Scribbler has been serving this area for 10 years now.

  64. Here are some tidbits that you may or may not know regarding internet service in the Restoule area….I have numerous email accounts with Ontera a northern internet provider . They have, for the past 7 years, served me very well here in Restoule and in Nipissing Twp..However, to serve my business better, I will be switiching to high speed broadband internet through Ontera in a few months (when the new 300 or 400 foot Bell tower goes up on Lakeview and becomes serviceable). Netspectrum, I learned, is the company that installs the tower and home equipment for internet providers like Ontera and they are “discussing” the possibility of transferring their current Lakeview tower receiver station over to the higher Bell tower once it is built. If they do then our reception here on Porter’s Landing will be almost guaranteed ( without buying additional equipment for broad band reception above the summer tree canopy).

    Some Restoulians have been a wee bit upset with the lack of weekend and evening tech service offered by Net Spectrum (their internet service provider). I hear (from a reliable source) that the level of service will not change because Netspectrum really isn’t into providing internet service . Their main deal is the installation of antennas, towers, receivers, etc… they will, I understand,be servicing Restoule Park with high speed service in the very near future. It appears that they offered Restoulians internet service initially because no other internet provider was ready to offer it to our area. Ontera just recently came on board as a high speed itnernet provider to this area.

    Supposingly, Bell received a rather quick government grant to put up that new lakeview tower to service cellphone reception.This is a most welcomed safety feature for remote campers, hunters, cottagers, and bush walkers like myself.I am sure it will be welcomed by our superb and highly dedicated fire department.

    I am interested in being kept abreast of the new Lakeview tower developments. Perhaps, this website could serve as a tower installation progress site.

    The Scribbler is a great idea.

  65. I’m pleased you like the ‘Scribbler’ Carol. If you or anyone reading it has suggestions please do not hesitate to leave a comment. David.

  66. Nice to see this, I was not aware it existed. I have forwarded to a couple of other people I know who may be interested in postings or just perusing. Sandra Redwood sent it to me.

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