In Timmins, a local woman is spearheading a campaign and petition. She's hoping to convince the city not to fence off all of Hollinger Park during this summer's Stars and Thunder concert series.

Thousands enjoyed the biggest Canada Day celebration in Timmins’ history last summer. Hundreds of them were from beyond the gate.

However, a recent vote to fence off all of Hollinger Park during the festival has residents, like Leena MacDonald, speaking out.

"History does not look fondly on politicians who build big walls and I think they need to keep that in mind with an election coming up." said MacDonald.

Macdonald took to Facebook, asking people about the idea. More than a thousand said they didn't approve of the decision, compared to just over 100 people who supported it.

"For families on the lower income side of things, this is the only way that they have to enjoy Canada Day. This is the only way they have to enjoy the ambiance of the festival and I think it's really unfair and I think it's creating a very sharp divide between the privileged and those who just can't afford it." said MacDonald.

MacDonald says council heard her concerns, but offered no reply or rebuttal to her findings. The city's mayor, Steve Black, says fencing the park is an issue that's being misconstrued.

"The other side of the park was used for a lot of our queue lines and everything for the festival last year, so that will be fenced off at the time of the festival. So before the festival, that side would still be open, I believe is the current plan." said Mayor Black.

Sales are down by 9,000 tickets, compared to this time last year.

City councillor Rick Dubeau says fencing the park is council's attempt to increase ticket sales and make sure nobody sees the show for free.

“It is strictly about trying to boost up a poorly planned festival that is failing." said Dubeau.

The plan to fence the park during the festival has already been passed. To change that, a councillor would have to propose that vote be re-tabled.

So far no one has stepped forward to do that.