Update:

After numerous attempts at making a phone contact, which even included calling Walt's in Atikokan, I finally sent a snail mail letter to Dave, and received a reply this weekend.

Yes, he's shutdown for the foreseeable future. Didn't say it was permanent, but that until business picked up and economy improved on both sides of border, he needed a full time job with benefits for his growing family.

His road grader job has expanded.  He worked long hours all summer and will be busy this winter as well.

I had mentioned the park survey we had a chance to have input on. I like may here am bewildered by the proposal to have designated campsites/travel loops.

Dave said he knew about this idea, and like most of us, he can't understand how that will increase park revenue :-?
Said it would kill business, not increase it. He said what many of us feel.  The ability to travel when and where we want is a major factor in deciding to go north of the border.

I had wished him well and that hopefully he could get back in business?
He didn't include a phone number, but his mail address is the same as I previously posted.

I told him that he had people here on the QJ who had enjoyed outfitting thru him, and where sad to hear he wasn't in the game anymore.

He was grateful for the past support, but his family obligations came first, as we all know too well.