Terrace Bay Airport

Primarily economic. The Township of Terrace Bay, which owned and operated the airport, closed it due to the high cost of maintenance (including runway upkeep, snow removal, and lighting) combined with limited use. The challenging economic climate for the region's pulp and paper industry in the 1990s likely contributed to the decision by reducing the municipal budget and the volume of corporate air traffic.

The airport is permanently closed and decommissioned. The land is zoned as 'Rural' by the township. The asphalt runway is still clearly visible from satellite imagery but is in a state of severe disrepair, with extensive cracking and vegetation growth. All airport buildings and infrastructure have been removed. The abandoned runway is occasionally used by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and other organizations for closed-course driver training and vehicle testing. Otherwise, the site is vacant and unused.

The airport, which operated under the identifier CJA8, was a key transportation link for the relatively isolated community of Terrace Bay on the northern shore of Lake Superior. It featured a single asphalt runway (08/26) measuring approximately 3500 feet by 75 feet. Its primary function was to support the local pulp and paper mill, facilitating corporate and business travel. Additionally, it served general aviation pilots, supported the regional tourism industry (such as fly-in fishing and hunting trips), and was available for air ambulance and other emergency services. For many years, it provided a vital connection for the community, especially during winter months when road travel could be challenging.

Effectively zero. The Township of Terrace Bay's official plan explicitly states there are no plans to reopen the airport. The cost to excavate the old runway, lay a new foundation, resurface it, and install modern lighting, navigation aids, and fencing to meet current Transport Canada standards would be prohibitively expensive. The nearby Marathon Airport (CYSP), located approximately 60 km to the east, adequately serves the region's current aviation needs with a well-maintained facility, making the business case for reopening Terrace Bay unviable.