Deer Lake Seaplane Base

The primary reason for the closure of the registered seaplane base was its replacement by the modern, all-weather Deer Lake Airport (CYDL). The new land airport offered superior capabilities, including year-round access (not limited by winter ice), the ability to handle larger aircraft, improved safety features, and more reliable scheduling for passenger and cargo services. Consolidating aviation services at the new airport was economically and logistically more efficient for the community and air carriers.

The specific site of the former seaplane base has reverted to general community waterfront use. The ICAO identifier CA-1123 is no longer active, and the area is not a registered aerodrome. Satellite imagery of the coordinates shows a shoreline area within the community with some docks that are likely used for private boats and potentially for ad-hoc floatplane arrivals/departures. However, all scheduled and primary aviation traffic now exclusively uses the Deer Lake Airport (CYDL). The physical location is simply part of the Deer Lake shoreline.

Prior to the construction of the land airport, the Deer Lake Seaplane Base was the primary and essential transportation link for the remote Deer Lake First Nation. For decades, it served as the community's lifeline to the outside world, particularly during the ice-free months. Operations handled by the base included:
- **Passenger Transport:** Connecting residents to regional hubs like Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Winnipeg.
- **Cargo and Mail:** The delivery of all essential goods, food, supplies, and mail depended on floatplanes.
- **Medical Evacuations:** It was the critical point of departure for emergency medical flights.
- **Economic Activity:** Supported local industries such as tourism, fishing, and mineral exploration.
Air carriers like Wasaya Airways and other regional charter operators were frequent users, making the seaplane base central to the community's social and economic well-being.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the official Deer Lake Seaplane Base (CA-1123). The community's aviation needs are fully and more effectively met by the Deer Lake Airport (CYDL). Re-establishing a formal, registered seaplane base would be redundant and economically unviable. While floatplanes can still legally operate on the lake itself (as it is a public waterway, subject to Canadian Aviation Regulations), there is no incentive to reinstate the formal base infrastructure and designation.