Ottawa fireworks alerted pilots but not residents, exposing a gap in emergency protocols

Ottawa's unannounced fireworks display on July 10 was preceded by a formal NAV CANADA airspace restriction notice three days in advance—but residents received no warning. The surprise show, using leftover Canada Day ordnance, drew 38 complaints and angered two city councillors who were not notified. The disparity reveals how safety agencies and municipal government failed to coordinate public communications, even when the event advisory team's decision to proceed was operationally sound.