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.

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.

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.

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.

Bytown Museum officials said they're charging to help prevent overcrowding, and that the $5 also allows after-hours entry to the museum.

'It should be free'

"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.

Student Zuber Dinani says there shouldn't be a cost to access what is normally a free public space. (CBC News) "I feel that it should be free, you should not pay $5 or any amount of fees to get in ... because it's on public space."

Resident Nic Bryan agreed.

"When they're blocking off areas and making us pay for it, it's another trap, another way to get into our pockets," Bryan said.

"I've never paid to come down here before."

There are three more fireworks shows coming up:

Greece competes on Aug. 15.

Venezuela on Aug. 19.

The grand finale takes place Aug. 22.

Poll question

On mobile? Vote here on what you think about the $5 fee.