We might not know whether aliens exist (no, they weren’t at a Miami mall last year, although first contact would be far from the weirdest thing to happen in Florida), but that hasn’t stopped people from preparing for their potential arrival to Earth. Some people might stockpile weapons, others might DIY welcome signs, but back in 1967, one Canadian town tackled arguably the most important preparation of all: a decent parking spot.
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That’s right – in the town of St Paul in Northern Alberta lies the world’s first ever UFO landing pad. The idea came about as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations, and once approved by the government, saw the construction of a large platform sat atop six 75-centimeter (30-inch)-tall concrete pylons. The platform is circular, of course, because all UFOs are flying saucer-shaped, right?
Some people might’ve rolled their eyes at the idea, but not the residents of St Paul – this was a community-led project, and it seems the whole town was more than willing to join in with the fun when it opened back in June 1967.
A photograph from the official opening of the landing pad in 1967.
“To make the expected celestial visitors feel at home, flying saucers have started to sprout in backyards,” explained a news report at the time. “One businessman donated a bus called the ‘Martian Express’ to take care of earthly transportation problems.” We’re not quite sure that measures up to a machine capable of flying all the way from Mars, but we’re here for the enthusiasm.
“So far, the only low-flying UFOs to be lured down are the paper variety popular with children, but the local citizens are sure that even the Martians won’t be able to resist their western hospitality for long,” the report continued. Unfortunately for them, that doesn’t seem to have been the case – we’d like to think we’d certainly know about it if a UFO had plonked down in a small Canadian town.
Of course, the whole thing is a little tongue-in-cheek. But look past all the flying saucer décor and “Little Green Men” memorabilia, and the true message at the heart of this parking spot is one that was apt at the time and remains so now. It’s one of peace and unity – something very human indeed.
The sign next to the platform.
“The area under the world’s first UFO landing pad was designated international by the town of St. Paul as a symbol of our faith that mankind will maintain the outer universe free from national wars and strife,” reads the sign next to the landing pad. “That future travel in space will be safe for all intergalactic beings. All visitors from Earth or otherwise are welcome to this territory and to the town of St. Paul.”
Unless it’s a Monday at the gift shop, that is – they’re closed on Mondays.
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