The operator of Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport has offered a proposal to the city.
In a letter to city council, Scottsdale Aviation's Clare Webb, is suggesting they continue their contract for a minimum of two years, or until it ends in June 2027, with the city paying operating costs.
Mayor Mike Bradley said staff are recommending it be considered during budget deliberations December 1.
"I'm of the view, until we get to a final determination on the future of the airport which will not take place now until 2021 when the new economic development office is established with a new economic development officer, that we need to ensure that the airport continues to operate for those that are using it right now" said Bradley.
He said that may mean some subsidy.
"We have received money from the federal government to help the city during the COVID crisis and my suggestion to council is we should be using some of that money to get the operators to continue to operate until we can make a final determination. My hope is that we would continue to keep the airport within the city family and find ways to operate it in a matter that is also responsible financially."
Bradley said council had a lot of "excellent" suggestions at its last meeting on how to keep the asset running.
Air Canada announced in March that it was pulling out of Sarnia effective July 26.