Gun Lake Airport

Primarily economic reasons and changing operational needs. The airport was a privately registered aerodrome, likely associated with BC Hydro for the nearby Lajoie Dam and Bridge River Power Project. As the region's gold mining boom ended and road access improved, the traffic and necessity for a registered airport diminished. The high costs of maintenance, insurance, and regulatory compliance for a low-traffic, private facility likely became unjustifiable for the owner, leading to its decommissioning and removal from official publications.

The airport is officially closed and abandoned. The physical gravel/turf runway is still clearly visible on satellite imagery but is unmaintained and in poor condition. A local road now crosses the northern portion of the former runway, and parts of the strip are overgrown with vegetation. The land is understood to be private property or managed by BC Hydro. While it is decommissioned, there are anecdotal reports of occasional, unauthorized landings by private pilots with suitable STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, which is done entirely at their own risk.

Gun Lake Airport was a vital transportation link for the remote Bridge River Valley. Its primary historical importance was twofold:

1. **Industrial Support:** It was crucial for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Bridge River Power Project, a major hydroelectric complex developed by BC Electric (now BC Hydro) starting in the late 1940s. The airstrip, located adjacent to the Lajoie Dam, facilitated the transport of personnel, urgent supplies, and equipment to the remote construction sites.

2. **Community Access:** The airport served the once-thriving gold mining communities of Gold Bridge and Bralorne. It provided essential access for charter flights, mail delivery, medical evacuations, and private pilots, especially during winter months when road travel can be hazardous. It also supported the area's burgeoning tourism and recreational activities centered around Gun Lake.

There are no official plans or funded projects to reopen and recertify Gun Lake Airport. Local and regional economic development strategies for the Bridge River Valley have identified the lack of certified air access as a significant barrier to tourism growth and emergency response. However, the substantial costs required to clear obstacles, resurface the runway, and meet modern Transport Canada safety and certification standards make reopening highly improbable without significant government or private investment. The prospect of reopening remains a recurring topic in local discussions but has not advanced to a formal proposal.