1967: A People Kind of Place

In 1967, the Canadian Centennial Committee named St. Paul the “The Centennial Star” on account of the quantity, quality, and originality of the small town's year-long celebratory activity; namely, the decision to build the world’s first "UFO Landing Pad." This oval-shaped platform constructed in cement was an idea translated into architectural form, a metaphorical welcoming of all people--including "aliens"--to the nation. In this way, the UFO landing pad functions as a symbol for Canada's increasing emphasis on hospitality, tolerance, diversity, and unity at that point in history. T
Producer and Director: Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen & Editor: Marc Ripper