Tsayta Lake Water Aerodrome

Tsayta Lake, CA 🇨🇦 Closed Airport

ICAO

CA-0662

IATA

-

Elevation

2887 ft

Region

CA-BC

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 55.450345° N, -125.457764° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: AK9 AK9

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

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Airport Information

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Jul 24, 2025
Closure Date

Approximately 2011

Reason for Closure

Economic reasons. The aerodrome's existence was directly tied to the Kemess South Mine, a large open-pit copper and gold mine. When the mine depleted its ore and ceased operations around 2011, transitioning to a 'care and maintenance' status, the primary need for the aerodrome vanished. Consequently, it was de-registered with Transport Canada and officially closed.

Current Status

The site is no longer a registered or maintained water aerodrome. There is no official aviation infrastructure (docks, buoys, windsock, communication services) present. The lake itself remains accessible and may be used on an unofficial, 'at-your-own-risk' basis by private pilots for recreational purposes like fishing, hunting, or accessing the backcountry. The surrounding area is remote wilderness, with the former Kemess Mine site remaining on long-term care and maintenance.

Historical Significance

The aerodrome, officially CAT9, was a vital transportation link for the remote Kemess South Mine, which operated from 1998 to 2011. It was used exclusively for float-equipped aircraft (like the De Havilland Beaver, Otter, and various Cessna models) to transport mine personnel, contractors, executives, and time-sensitive supplies between the mine site and larger regional hubs such as Prince George and Smithers. The facility was operated by the mine's owner, Northgate Minerals. The alternate name, 'Lhda Koh', is from the Sekani language, acknowledging the location within the traditional territory of the Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

Reopening Prospects

There is a significant prospect for reopening, but it is entirely contingent on the future of mining in the area. Centerra Gold is currently advancing the 'Kemess Underground Project,' a proposal to build a new underground mine near the old site. If this project receives final approval and moves into the construction and operation phases, it is highly probable that the Tsayta Lake Water Aerodrome (CAT9) would be re-established and re-registered to provide essential floatplane access for the new operation.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

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