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The Quetico College School Changes Hands (Read 3655 times)
Jimbo
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Inukshuk
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The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Oct 2nd, 2019 at 2:02pm
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I just received an update from The Quetico College School, run by Michael Heaton.  Several of us have enjoyed food & lodging there on the front (and back) ends of trips into Quetico Park and the surrounding area.  As many of you already know, Michael had attracted enough students who wanted to go to school there.  His real difficulty turned out to be finding "teachers" willing to share his dream for an independent school set in the wilderness.  Thus, the enterprise had been on shaky ground for a while and the School property has been for sale for quite some time.  Anyway, we've just learned that the property has now been sold and the school will be closed.

Michael always seemed to be in an endless battle with maintaining buildings and the aging school infrastructure.  Nevertheless, he had a soft spot for the park and canoeists and found time to prepare fine meals, clean lodging, and rich conversation for those of us who stayed there (even though he might have to make a repair or two to ensure you had hot water through the night).  The guy was a tireless worker, a great host, and a good cook!

We will miss The Quetico College School, especially for trips originating on the east side of the park.  I guess it's back to the White Otter for me!  Also, maybe we should stay tuned to see what the new owners do with the property.  There just might be some hope there yet.

FYI

Jimbo   Cool
  
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DentonDoc
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #1 - Oct 2nd, 2019 at 4:03pm
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Yeah.  I got the same e-mail this morning.  If memory serves, Jim and I were the 2nd and 3rd "lodging" guests at Quetico College School that were there for a canoeing trip.  I distinctly remember Michael talking about the need for teachers, and as a teacher myself, he wondered if I'd be interested.  (Sorry, this Texas boy don't do cold winters!)

On my last trip, I did stay at the White Otter Inn (and lamented that I wasn't headed to the eastern part of the park which would have made Quetico School a viable option).  White Otter is definitely a distant 2nd to Quetico School with respect to facility and comfort.  (Michael was also a very engaging dinner table companion, once his "chief cook" duties were done.)

dd
  
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Westwood
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #2 - Oct 2nd, 2019 at 10:47pm
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Unfortunately, you can't do something solely for love or the good of your fellow man.  Whether in the USA or Canada you have to make a profit.
  
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Old Salt
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #3 - Oct 3rd, 2019 at 2:07am
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Yup, I got the same email this morning. I never could see how he could make it work, but I sure respect him for his effort. He was living his dream and seemed to have a great time doing it. I also enjoyed visiting with him and hearing about his work. Best of luck in whatever his next venture might be. Cool
  
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TomT
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #4 - Oct 3rd, 2019 at 11:50am
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I'm curious what he's going to do next.  Interesting guy.
  
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mpeebles
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #5 - Oct 5th, 2019 at 11:43am
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I got to stay there for the first time this year.  I was blown away by the size of the complex and by how hard Michael worked to keep things going not to mention he's an excellent chef and a genuine nice person!  I wish him well going forward.

I too am wondering what will happen to the place as it's on a beautiful property but I can't imagine what one would do with all the buildings in such a remote area.   
  
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solotripper
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Re: The Quetico College School Changes Hands
Reply #6 - Oct 5th, 2019 at 12:49pm
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I too am wondering what will happen to the place as it's on a beautiful property but I can't imagine what one would do with all the buildings in such a remote area.   


  Only speculating, but lakefront property is a big draw even in that remote area. Reale Estate companies out of Thunder Bay have some developments west and east of Atikokan.

They have lots on a portion of Lerome Lk and most of them are spoken for.

You look at their on-line listings, many of the lots are already bought and they haven't even run in power/water/sewer.

I wouldn't be surprised a prime location like that doesn't end broken up for luxury lake lots?
  
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