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The $5 admission fee charged by Parks Canada and the Bytown Museum during the Casino du Lac Leamy’s Sound of Light fireworks festival allows people to see the show from a prime location that would otherwise be closed to the public, say the museum’s executive director.

“Please know that no one is making money off this,” said Robin Etherington, head of the not-for-profit community museum alongside the Rideau Canal locks. “The bottom line is that this side would be closed if Parks Canada and the Bytown Museum didn’t partner to have staff here to open it and keep it safe.”

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The policy drew some complaints online and on Twitter that people were being charged to enter an area that normally has free access, but Etherington said she heard nothing but positive comments about the evening.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” she said, adding that the area is normally off limits during the Canada Day fireworks.