The Town of Vermilion will proceed with planned maintenance at its municipal airport after council approved funding to cover the work despite an unsuccessful provincial grant application.

During a recent council meeting, Director of Infrastructure and Planning Robert Dauphinee told council the Town had applied for funding through Alberta’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) to help pay for runway overlay work.

“Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful this year in our application,” Dauphinee said.

Rather than delay the project, administration recommended transferring $15,387 from the airport reserve to complete the work.

Dauphinee told council the airport reserve currently holds approximately $132,000, with another $150,000 expected to be added through the Town’s 2026 budget.

He also confirmed administration intends to submit another funding application next year.

“Our intent is to go back the next year, update our application and continue with the ask,” he said.

Councillor Kellen Snelgrove said the project reflects council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the airport.

“This council has stated we want to keep our airport in good working order,” Snelgrove said.

Council awarded the runway crack sealing contract to Applied Products Ltd. for $75,887 and the runway pavement marking contract to Marshall Line Painting Ltd. for $9,500, bringing the total project cost to $85,387.

Although provincial funding was not approved this year, council agreed the maintenance should move forward to help preserve the airport’s infrastructure.