While discussions on a regional airport have been around since 2009, Winkler City Council says the local airport is still a "much used and well-liked facility".

"We've always kept our mind open to see what is available regionally, but it's not something that happens quickly," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says.

However, the taxiway and ramp are in need of a complete reconstruction.

Engineering staff have been tasked with designing and reconstructing the taxiway to Transport Canada specifications taking into consideration the size of aircraft that use the airport. Engineers will look at three options for the surface including asphalt, conventional concrete, and roller compacted concrete.

The city has budgeted a maximum of $150,000 for the project.

"It is an important facility and we have industries that are built around it," Harder says, adding local businesses have expressed a desire to see the airport expanded.

However, Harder says they're restricted by their current space and larger planes would require a longer runway.

"We would be open to discussions with Morden on a regional airport, whether it's in Morden or here... depending on the cost of upgrading."

The idea of partnering on a regional airport was revived last year as the relationship between Winkler, Morden and the RM of Stanley "is pretty strong right now," Harder says. "We want to look for efficiencies and what we can do as a region."

Winkler, Morden and the RM of Stanley have partnered on a regional tourism initiative, and municipal staff from all three communities have worked closely together on the ambitious regional Waste Water Treatment project. The communities have also partnered to host large sporting events in the past, and members from both the Winkler and Morden police boards are continuing talks on what an amalgamated Winkler/Morden police service could look like.

If there would be a regional airport, Harder says it would likely have a regional name and operated by a separate group.

File photo