"because the Atikokan office for some reason cannot process them (sport card I assume)."

I wonder if that reason is they don't want to bother? i.e.it takes too much time and backs up the line for permits ?

I looked at the Outdoors Card website to find locations for renewing the card and buying a lic in Ontario -

two groups of options - one is the places that always sell licenses, like bait shops (Voyageur Bait and Tackle on Hgy 11B, on the way in to town was one listed, others were outfitters, etc)

the second group was official MNR "Service Centers" - and one of those was specifically -  108 Saturn Ave, Atikokan - yeah, that same office that you go to to pick up your permit

I think I'll give tham a call before I head up there and see what the story is - maybe thier machine wasn't working, or maybe the volunteers who often staff the place aren't authorized to sell the cards ? or just what the story is - I bought my original Outrdoors card there, in 2009 I think it was - and it is listed as a Service Center where you can renew or buy an original card and license - so must be some technical problem ?