The future of the Vernon Regional Airport remains in a holding pattern.
City council sent staff back to the drawing board on the airport master plan Monday instead of accepting a recommendation to proceed with the process.
"Staff really needs to work on the numbers. They could come in even lower," said Coun. Catherine Lord.
The original cost estimate from staff for airport upgrades without a longer runway was about $2 million but that's now at $5.2 milion.
If we can bring it (cost) down and the onus is less on the public, then yes," said Lord of possibly garnering residents' support for the master plan.
Staff is still recommending no runway extension, but a majority of council is interested in considering that option.
"Ultimately it's up to council. Staff is looking at it from today's perspective and council has to look to the future," said Lord.
Lengthening the runway from 3,500 to 4,000 feet could cost $7.2 million, and possibly $11 million.