Matagami Seaplane Base

The closure was primarily due to economic and infrastructural reasons. The development and expansion of the nearby land-based Matagami Airport (CYNM), coupled with the construction of the James Bay Road, provided more reliable, year-round access to the region. This significantly reduced the reliance on seasonal seaplane operations for transporting personnel and supplies, leading to the consolidation of air services at the land airport and making a dedicated, registered seaplane base redundant.

The site at the specified coordinates is now the location of the Matagami Marina (Marina de Matagami). It is a public recreational facility with boat docks, a launch ramp, and parking. While no longer a formally registered seaplane base, the marina's facilities on Lac Matagami can and likely do accommodate private and charter seaplane operations on an ad-hoc basis. Its primary function today is for recreational boating.

The Matagami Seaplane Base was historically vital to the development of Matagami and the surrounding James Bay region. Established in the 1960s during a major mining boom, the base on Lac Matagami was a critical hub for bush flying. Operations primarily supported mineral exploration, forestry activities, and hydro-electric development projects further north. Floatplanes were the essential mode of transport for prospectors, surveyors, workers, and light cargo into remote areas inaccessible by road. The base also served as a key link for government services and provided access to remote Cree First Nations communities before the road network was fully established.

There are no known plans or prospects to formally reopen or re-register the site as a dedicated seaplane base with the identifier CA-1131. The transportation needs of the community and local industries are well-served by the Matagami Airport (CYNM) and the regional road network. The existing marina infrastructure is sufficient for any current or anticipated seaplane traffic.