Work to improve Vernon Regional Airport is expected to begin next year.

Vernon city council has given early budget approval for the design of proposed airport improvements at an estimated cost of $108,500.

“I think it'll start the consultation process,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “It gives (staff) a chance to get ready for next year.”

Another $240,000 has been earmarked for runway rehabilitation, relocation of visual guidance indicators and threshold markings, and construction of a runway turning 'D'.

City staff are hoping the bulk of the cost for that work, $720,000, will come from a B.C. Air Access program grant.

A report to council last December indicated that activity at the airport had increased 37 per cent over five years and was expected to continue an upward trend.

In March, council voted 5-2 against a $4.3 million extension of the airport's one runway.

However, council approved about $2 million for capacity improvements and upgrades within the existing airport lands without expansion or the controversial runway extension.

The Vernon airport has operating since 1946.