Anticipating welcoming thousands of visitors to 8 Wing/CFB Trenton and significant traffic throughout the community, the City of Quinte West says residents should plan to get around town when the air show returns.
The Quinte International Air Show is returning for the first time since 2016 on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. In the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary year, the air show is expected to attract thousands over the long-weekend.
“Significant vehicle traffic is anticipated throughout Quinte West on both June 29 and 30, with many city spaces being made available for free attendee parking,” said the city. “Quinte West residents, whether they are attending the air show or not, are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays.”
The city said residents should be mindful of the following:
Old Hwy. 2 will be closed to through traffic between RCAF and Whites roads from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 29 and 30. Drivers should use Hwy. 401 or Hamilton Road to detour around this area.
“No parking” and “No stopping” restrictions will also be in place on Whites and RCAF roads from June 27 to 30.
Access to Meyers Creek Road between Hamilton and Whites roads will be restricted to local traffic only. Access to South Perimeter Road will also be restricted to local traffic only.
Free air show parking will be available across multiple parking lots in Quinte West and Belleville. Where possible, attendees are encouraged to carpool, noted the city.
The Quinte International Air Show will be running free shuttles between designated parking lots and 8 Wing/CFB Trenton about every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 29 and 30. However, these shuttle buses are not accessible for wheelchairs or mobility devices, noted officials.
Accessible Quinte Access buses will run from all shuttle lots for visitors requiring accessible transit.
Free air show parking locations with shuttle and Quinte Access services include Loyalist College, Bayside Public School, the Aikins Road lot, the Whites Road lot, Carrying Place Industrial Park, the Trent Port Marina (which has multiple lots), and Centennial Park.
Walkable air show parking locations – with no shuttle services – include: 8 Wing/CFB Northwest PMQ – RCAF Road and Namao Drive, Quinte West (40-minute walk); 8 Wing/CFB Northeast PMQ – RCAF Road, and Westwin Avenue, Quinte West (45-minute walk), and the “Approach Lights” lot – RCAF Road, and Old Hwy. 2, Quinte West (30- minute walk.)
Free bike parking for air show attendees will be available on the north side of the 8 Wing/CFB Trenton Parade Square at 142 Yukon St. Cyclists should bring their own lock as the bike parking lot is not a secured area.
“The City of Quinte West is proud to welcome the Quinte International Air Show back this year in celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100 years of service.”
More information on the show is available via quinteairshow.ca.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
