Ottawa: RCMP sees flashing red lights near PM residence
On March 4, 1969, at 10:00 p.m., RCMP Constable R. J. Shannahan observed two bright flashing red lights above Rideau Hall gates near the Prime Minister’s residence in Ottawa. One moved east and vanished quickly, the other west and lingered longer; no jets or radar checks followed.
Background
Witness and Location
R. J. Shannahan, an RCMP constable, was on foot patrol near 24 Sussex Drive, the prime minister's residence in Ottawa, Ontario, when he looked up at 22:00 on March 4, 1969.
Sighting
He saw two bright, flashing red lights above and slightly inside the gates of Rideau Hall. One light moved east and was out of sight within a minute. The other flew west and remained visible for 5–6 minutes.
Reactions
No fighters were scrambled. There is no indication that radar stations were asked about unidentified targets.
Sources and Significance
Based on released documents of the National Research Council of Canada (FOIA parts 3 and 27) and on Chris Rutkowski's analysis. The proximity to sensitive government sites is what makes this observation by a police officer notable.