Is this gouging or what?

Maybe Americans are tired of having their hard earned tax dollars being handed out freely to the entitlement people?

That may be why we have a difference of opinion? :)

Ridiculous prices. Is Ottawa really that unsafe where they need security? If so, why would people want to camp there? If this were Chicago I'd suspect the hotels were "encouraging" the politicians to raise fees to discourage people from camping. The bottom line is with those prices they don't want people camping in the parks.

Everyone who has replied so far isn't from here in Canada ... I am, and from my perspective I'd agree with Fizz - extreme gouging. The city's explanation is they're just covering costs and for a one-off event that's likely true. However, the argument that average families won't be able to avoid these excessive charges is valid, particularly in light of the fact that Parks Canada is mailing out free membership cards this year to anyone who applies, allowing for free entry into any Canadian national park in honour of our country's 150th anniversary. No doubt available spots will be sold out anyway to those who can afford these usurious charges, politicians will once again congratulate themselves for coming up with yet another "brilliant" idea, but simply put - the city of Ottawa blew it. :M

Crowe wrote:
Pure capitalism based on supply and demand.

And also a way to pay for the service.

It sounds reasonable to me. Someone has to clean up the mess afterward...

Pure capitalism based on supply and demand.

Being from that capitalist country to the south of you, I see nothing wrong with it. That's about what happens down here for football games, NASCAR racing, balloon festivals, etc. You charge what the customer will bear. Only time will tell but if you sell out the first day of registration, you charged too little. If you have empty spots still left for the event, you charged too much!

Try camping inside at Daytona Speedway !

If they don't charge for camping, who will pay for the extra costs of toilets, showers, clean up, security, etc.?

No one wants to pay extra fees but, someone must pay for the services,
will it be the tax paying residents?

Is the price too high? I don't know. Maybe/maybe not.