'I think it's pretty ridiculous that you have to pay $5, or you have to pay anything to use the public space to go and see the fireworks,' said Zuber Dinani, a student. On Wednesday evening, only those who paid the $5 were allowed through the barricades and into the public area, regardless of whether they wanted to watch the fireworks.īytown Museum officials said they're charging to help prevent overcrowding, and that the $5 also allows after-hours entry to the museum. The synchronized music accompanying the fireworks isn't made available at the site, as it is in two other sanctioned areas where the entry fee is $8. Theres a 5 fee to access the public area around Ottawas Rideau Canal Locks and the Bytown Museum to watch the Casino du Lac Leamys Sound of Light fireworks shows. The popular area near the Bytown Museum and the Rideau Canal Locks is normally open to the public for free, but Parks Canada and the museum are charging $5 for access before and during this summer's five fireworks shows, even though the organizations are not officially affiliated with the event.
Some people are upset that access to a scenic public tourist destination near the Ottawa River is being blocked off during Casino du Lac Leamy's Sound of Light fireworks competition.
