Geraldton Water Aerodrome

The closure was the result of economic shifts and the consolidation of regional aviation services. Key factors include:
1. **Decline in Demand:** A decrease in the specific type of scheduled floatplane operations that historically supported the base.
2. **Consolidation:** The increasing importance and subsequent upgrades of the nearby land-based Geraldton (Greenstone Regional) Airport (ICAO: CYGQ), which became the primary aviation hub for the region.
3. **Obsolescence:** As road access in the region improved and aviation needs evolved, the necessity for a dedicated, registered water aerodrome diminished. Charter and private floatplane operators could still use the lake without the need for a formal, registered base.

The site of the former registered aerodrome is no longer an active commercial or registered seaplane base. The specific infrastructure associated with a commercial operation (e.g., dedicated fuel storage, large docks, office buildings) has been removed. The location on the shore of Hutchison Lake, adjacent to MacLeod Provincial Park, is now used for public and recreational purposes, including private boating, fishing, and cottage access. While the CA-0675 designator is retired, Hutchison Lake itself remains a public waterway where floatplanes can still legally land and take off in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, though there are no services provided.

Located on Hutchison Lake, the Geraldton Water Aerodrome was a vital artery for Northern Ontario's bush flying industry throughout the mid-20th century. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development of the region, which was sparked by a gold rush in the 1930s. When active, the aerodrome handled floatplane and seaplane operations that were critical for:
- **Mining and Exploration:** Transporting prospectors, geologists, and equipment to remote exploration sites.
- **Forestry:** Supporting logging camps and surveying operations.
- **Tourism:** Providing access for anglers and hunters to the numerous remote fishing and hunting lodges in the vast, roadless wilderness.
- **Community Support:** Acting as a lifeline for remote First Nations communities and outposts, delivering mail, supplies, and medical services.
It was the aquatic counterpart to the land airport, providing essential access to a landscape dominated by lakes and dense forest.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening a registered water aerodrome at this location. The Municipality of Greenstone's aviation focus is entirely on the land-based Geraldton (Greenstone Regional) Airport (CYGQ), which has received significant investment, including a new terminal building in 2021. The market demand that once supported a formal water base is now adequately served by charter companies and private operators who can utilize any suitable local lake for their operations. Therefore, the prospect of re-establishing CA-0675 is considered extremely low to non-existent.