The group behind the airport petition is now turning its sights on the municipal election, endorsing challenger David Dorward in a run for the mayor's chair.

Envision Edmonton chairman Charles Allard still maintains people deserve to have a say on the fate of the City Centre Airport.Envision Edmonton chairman Charles Allard still maintains people deserve to have a say on the fate of the City Centre Airport. (CBC)

On Wednesday, Envision Edmonton's petition calling for a plebiscite on the future of the City Centre Airport failed. It didn't have enough valid signatures and missed the legal deadline.

Council later voted against putting its own question on the ballot.

“Since they aren’t going to give us the plebiscite…we’ll just to have to start to endorse candidates that we think are open, transparent and credible. And who will listen to the people of Edmonton,” said Envision Edmonton chairman Charles Allard.

Earlier this week, Dorward said he supported the plebiscite.

The chartered accountant, however, refused to say whether he wants the airport to stay open.

Cal Nichols, former chairman of the Edmonton Oilers ownership group and outspoken airport supporter, is also backing Dorward's run for mayor.

The province is examining the impact of closing the airport on medevac services.

The municipal election is on Oct. 18