Fort Vermilion Water Aerodrome

The closure was not the result of a singular event like an accident or military conversion. The primary reason was its de-registration by Transport Canada, which typically happens due to operational obsolescence or cessation of use. As road infrastructure improved and the nearby all-season Fort Vermilion Airport (CEZ4) provided more reliable, year-round service, the need for a formally registered and maintained water aerodrome diminished. The operator who maintained the registration may have ceased operations or no longer required it.

The site is simply a section of the Peace River adjacent to the community of Fort Vermilion. It is no longer an official, registered aerodrome and has no dedicated aviation infrastructure (like public docks, fuel, or buildings) associated with its former registration. The river itself is used for recreational boating and general transport. It is important to note that while the *registered aerodrome* is closed, the waterway remains open. In accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulations, pilots of floatplanes can still legally land on and take off from this section of the river, provided the operation is conducted safely and does not interfere with other traffic or violate local bylaws.

As one of Alberta's oldest settlements, Fort Vermilion has long been a gateway to the far north. The water aerodrome on the Peace River was a critical piece of this transportation network, especially before the development of extensive all-weather roads. When active, it served as a base for float-equipped 'bush planes' (e.g., de Havilland Beavers, Otters, Cessna 185s). These aircraft provided essential services, including:
- Charter flights for hunters, anglers, and tourists accessing remote lodges and wilderness areas.
- Transport for workers and supplies for the forestry, mining, and oil and gas exploration industries.
- A lifeline for remote First Nations communities and trappers.
- Government support flights for wildlife management, surveying, and law enforcement.
- Emergency medical evacuations from locations inaccessible by other means.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening or re-registering the Fort Vermilion Water Aerodrome. The community's primary aviation needs are well-served by the land-based Fort Vermilion Airport (CEZ4). Re-establishing a formal water aerodrome would require a commercial operator to demonstrate a significant business need and commit to the regulatory and maintenance requirements, which is considered highly unlikely in the current transportation landscape.