Calling Lake Water Aerodrome

No official reason for the closure has been published. However, the de-registration of small, private, or special-purpose aerodromes like CEW8 is typically an administrative decision. The most probable cause is that the primary operator or user no longer required the official designation, possibly due to the cessation of a specific commercial operation, a change in business focus, or a desire to avoid the costs and regulatory obligations of maintaining a registered aerodrome with Transport Canada.

The aerodrome is permanently closed and no longer recognized by Transport Canada or Nav Canada. The physical site is simply a designated area on Calling Lake, a large public body of water. The lake's primary use is now for public recreation, including boating, fishing, and cottaging. While the official aerodrome is closed, floatplanes can and may still legally land on and take off from the lake, but they do so at the pilot's own risk, operating from an uncertified body of water without any of the services (e.g., fuel, docks, weather reporting) or published procedures associated with a registered aerodrome. Any dedicated land-based infrastructure has likely been removed or repurposed.

As a registered water aerodrome, Calling Lake (CEW8) was a key access point for float-equipped aircraft in a remote region of northern Alberta. Its operations were crucial for several sectors:

1. **Forest Fire Suppression:** The lake served as a strategic base for water bomber aircraft (such as the Canadair CL-215/415) to scoop water and for smaller 'bird dog' aircraft to coordinate firefighting efforts.
2. **Resource Industry:** It supported the oil, gas, and forestry industries by providing air access for personnel, equipment, and surveys in areas inaccessible by road.
3. **Tourism and Recreation:** The aerodrome was a departure point for air charter services transporting fishermen, hunters, and eco-tourists to remote lodges and camps in the surrounding wilderness.
4. **General Aviation:** It provided a base for local charter companies and private pilots using floatplanes like the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, Cessna 185, and Cessna 206 for transportation and recreation.

There are no known public plans, proposals, or prospects for reopening or re-registering the Calling Lake Water Aerodrome. The re-establishment of an official aerodrome would be contingent on a commercial or government entity demonstrating a need for a registered base of operations and completing the full certification process with Transport Canada.