ONTARIO LOOKOUTS
KING MOUNTAIN
Algoma District
1936: "The use of low power ultra-high frequency radio-telephone was introduced between the Batchawana and King Mountain towers in the Sault Ste. Marie district, and the end of season report showed that reliable communication had been maintained throughout the season." (Report of the Department of Lands and Forests)
1937: A ultra-high frequency radio-telephone set was installed at the King Mountain lookout. (Report of the Department of Lands and Forests)
June 30, 1960: "Thirty years ago, one of today's top officials of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests walked here from North Bay, nearly 200 miles, to locate suitable sites for forestry observation towers. To erect them, materials were taken in by sled and dog team in winter.
Times have changed and today, one of the Department's helicopters stationed here soon will be the main instrument in the construction of a new forest fire observation tower on King Mountain. The old 80-foot light steel tower there is being replaced by a 100-foot self supporting tower, with materials being brought in by helicopter.
Furthermore, because of the excellent radio facilities now operated by the Department, the tower will need no telephone line, contact between tower and ranger station will be by two-way radio.
The towerman will spend his off hours in a snug cabin on the shore of a neighboring lake. All his supplies, including magazines and any other comforts will be brought in by aircraft.
The area between Sault Ste. Marie and Heron Bay is regarded as perhaps the most rugged country in the province. This year, it is expected that it will be traversed by the stretch of the trans-Canada highway known as 'The Cap' scheduled for opening in September. This will afford further simplification of transportation difficulties encountered by rangers and conservation officers of the Department." (The Post and News)