Edmonton City Centre (Blatchford Field) Airport

The closure was the result of a long-standing political and economic decision by the City of Edmonton, which owned the airport land. The primary reasons were:
1. **Urban Redevelopment:** The 536-acre (217-hectare) site was considered extremely valuable land situated very close to the city's downtown core. The City Council opted to redevelop the land into a high-density, sustainable residential community to accommodate future population growth and increase the municipal tax base.
2. **Consolidation of Services:** Air traffic was consolidated at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) for commercial and cargo flights, and at Villeneuve Airport (CZVL) for general aviation and flight training. The decision aimed to create a more streamlined and efficient aviation system for the region.
3. **Economic Debate:** While proponents of the airport argued for its economic benefits, convenience for business travelers, and critical role in medevac services, the City ultimately decided that the long-term economic and social benefits of creating a new urban community outweighed the benefits of retaining a downtown airport.

The former airport site is being completely redeveloped into a new, master-planned community called **Blatchford**. The vision for Blatchford is to be one of the world's most environmentally sustainable communities. Key features of the development include:
- **Sustainable Energy:** A district energy sharing system that uses geo-exchange technology to provide renewable heating, cooling, and hot water to all buildings.
- **High-Density Urban Living:** A mix of townhomes, low-rise, and mid-rise apartment buildings designed to be walkable and transit-oriented.
- **Transportation:** The community is served by an extension of Edmonton's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, with a dedicated Blatchford Market station.
- **Public Spaces:** The plan includes large parks, recreational areas, and a series of water features.
Construction has been underway for several years, with residents already living in the first completed phases of the community. The runways and all aviation infrastructure have been removed, with only Hangar 11 being preserved as a designated Municipal Historic Resource.

Edmonton City Centre Airport (Blatchford Field) held immense historical significance for both the city and Canadian aviation.
- **Pioneering Aviation:** Opened in 1927, it became Canada's first licensed 'air harbour' (aerodrome) in 1929. It was named after former mayor Kenneth A. Blatchford.
- **Gateway to the North:** For decades, it was the primary hub connecting Edmonton to Canada's vast northern territories. Legendary bush pilots, including Wop May, flew from Blatchford Field to deliver mail, supplies, and provide emergency services, playing a crucial role in the exploration and development of the North.
- **Military Importance (WWII):** During World War II, the airport was known as RCAF Station Edmonton. It was a major training base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and a vital logistics hub for the Northwest Staging Route, which was used to ferry American-built aircraft to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program.
- **Primary Commercial Airport:** Until the opening of Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in 1960, Blatchford Field was the city's main airport, handling all major passenger and cargo traffic.
- **Later Operations:** After 1960, it transitioned to a vital regional and general aviation airport. It handled corporate jets, flight schools, charter flights, government aircraft, and was a critical base for air ambulance services (STARS). It also hosted some scheduled short-haul passenger services. Its ICAO code was CYXD and its former IATA code was YXD. The code CA-1110 is not a recognized ICAO identifier.

There are **zero prospects for reopening** the airport. The land has been irrevocably transformed. The runways have been demolished, and significant infrastructure for the Blatchford community—including roads, deep utilities, the district energy system, and residential and commercial buildings—has been constructed on the former airfield. The redevelopment is a cornerstone of the City of Edmonton's long-term urban growth plan, making any reversal of the decision impossible.