Charlottetown Water Aerodrome

The closure was a result of technological and infrastructural evolution in the aviation industry. The primary reasons include:
1. **Rise of Land-Based Aviation:** The establishment and continuous development of the nearby land-based Charlottetown Airport (Upton Field, now CYYG) provided a more reliable, all-weather alternative for larger and faster aircraft.
2. **Economic Obsolescence:** As airlines transitioned to more efficient landplanes, the demand for scheduled seaplane services diminished, making a dedicated water aerodrome economically unviable.
3. **Increased Harbour Congestion:** The Charlottetown Harbour became increasingly busy with commercial shipping, ferry services, fishing fleets, and recreational boating, making dedicated seaplane operations a safety and logistical challenge.

The site of the former water aerodrome is now the central, active part of Charlottetown Harbour. The area is a busy, multi-use waterway managed by the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. The water is heavily trafficked by cruise ships, commercial cargo vessels, ferries, and a large number of fishing and recreational boats. The adjacent shoreline is highly developed and forms the city's main waterfront, featuring the PEI Convention Centre, Confederation Landing park, Peake's Quay marina, and other tourist and commercial infrastructure.

The Charlottetown Water Aerodrome was historically significant as a key node in Prince Edward Island's early transportation network, particularly from the 1920s through the 1940s. Before the establishment of a fully functional land airport, the harbour served as the primary landing site for floatplanes and flying boats. These operations handled the region's first airmail services and early passenger flights, providing a vital connection to mainland Canada and other Maritime communities. It represented the dawn of commercial aviation for the island province before its role was superseded by land-based facilities.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening a registered water aerodrome at this specific location. Reopening is considered extremely unlikely due to insurmountable challenges. These include severe conflicts with existing high-density marine traffic, significant safety concerns related to operating in a congested harbour close to bridges and urban infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles with Transport Canada and the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. While private seaplanes may occasionally operate in the broader harbour area with special permission, the re-establishment of a permanent, official aerodrome is not feasible.