PEI

Chase the Ace drive-thru gets new entrance Saturday

The North River Fire Department is changing access to its popular Chase the Ace drive-thru due to growing traffic concerns.

Drive-thru went from 1 lane to 7 as popularity increased

The Kingston Legion Brach 30 and North River Fire Department's Chase the Ace jackpot is expected to hit $345,000 Saturday. (Facebook)

The North River Fire Department is changing access to its popular Chase the Ace drive-thru due to growing traffic concerns.

Lt. Dean Smith said the increasing popularity of the draw is causing traffic congestion on Route 1 of the Trans-Canada Highway in Cornwall, P.E.I.

"It has been very controllable but as we grow every week, we have to change things every week. This week we are limiting the access off the Trans-Canada," said Smith.

"You will not be able to come into the fire department from the Trans-Canada. All the traffic coming will go to the set of lights at the York Point [Road] and Trans-Canada Highway intersection. And they will come into the backside of the fire department where they were originally exiting the drive-thru."

The changes come into effect this Saturday.

Drive-thru growing

People have been purchasing tickets at the fire department in advance of the Saturday night draw, accessing the entrance from Route 1.  

This map shows the Chase the Ace ticket buyers the new entrance to the drive-thru at the North River Fire Department. (Facebook)

Smith said the drive-thru has grown from one lane to seven, with long lines-ups of vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway waiting their turn to get into a lane.

The fire department puts up an electronic traffic sign each Saturday to warn motorists of turning vehicles.

But Smith said they need to make a change to prevent any potential traffic issues.

The May 14 Chase the Ace draw for the North River Fire Department and Kingston Legion Branch 30 is expected to have a jackpot of more than $345,000 with 18 cards left in the deck.

Corrections

  • A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the Chase the Ace partnership was with the Kensington Legion. In fact, it's with the Kingston Legion Branch 30.
    May 13, 2016 2:42 PM AT

With files from Angela Walker