Keg River Airport

The primary reason for closure was redundancy and replacement. A new, better-equipped airport (Keg River Airport, IATA: N/A, ICAO: CEZ5) was established approximately 5 km to the southeast to better serve the community's needs. The new airport offered improved facilities, a longer and better-maintained runway, and official certification from Transport Canada. The original airstrip (CA-0181) became obsolete and was subsequently abandoned.

The airport is permanently closed and completely abandoned. An analysis of satellite imagery of the coordinates reveals that the site has been reclaimed for agricultural purposes, likely as a pasture or hayfield. The faint outline of the former single runway is still visible as a linear feature in the landscape, but there is no remaining aviation infrastructure such as hangars, terminal buildings, or runway markings. The land appears to be private property.

This site was the original airstrip for the remote hamlet of Keg River in northern Alberta. As a basic, likely unpaved landing strip, it played a crucial role in connecting the isolated community. It supported general aviation and bush plane operations, which were vital for transporting people, mail, and essential supplies. The airstrip was also important for regional industries such as forestry, oil and gas exploration, and trapping, providing critical access to an area with limited road infrastructure at the time. It served as a lifeline for medical emergencies and government services before being replaced by the current airport.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening this airport. The aviation needs of Keg River and the surrounding region are fully met by the active Keg River Airport (CEZ5). Given that the land has been converted to agricultural use and a superior replacement facility exists, there is no practical or economic incentive to restore this historic site for aviation purposes.