For those who enjoy Reddit we now have a sub-reddit set up!
In it you can read in detail the big update coming in just a few weeks that will continue for a couple of weeks onwards!
https://www.reddit.com/r/Spiritlands/comments/6fl1f0/the_future_is_bright_and_full_of_growth_dev_qa/
There will be an update in the coming days- a restart may not be needed for this. The update will finalise the marketplace placing more needs on the colonies as they will supply all trades.
Plus more!
Thanks @KiruArken for your map screenshots!