Canada: Project Second Storey UFO group founded
On April 22, 1952, Canada's Defence Research Board launched Project Second Storey, a UFO study group chaired by astrophysicist Peter M. Millman. It included Wilbert B. Smith and military representatives, holding its first meeting that day.
Background
Founding and First Meeting
On April 22, 1952, the Canadian Defence Research Board established a working group to investigate UFOs, which held its first meeting that same day. The project, named Second Storey, was initiated by DRB chairman Omond M. Solandt and led by astrophysicist Peter M. Millman.
People and Organizations Involved
Members included Wilbert B. Smith, representatives of Naval Intelligence, Military Operations and Planning, and the Defence Research Board. The group met at least five times and, during its second meeting on April 24, decided to contact U.S. authorities about UFO-related matters.
Significance and Context
The project marked Canada's official military engagement with UFO sightings, alongside Project Magnet. It developed a standardized reporting form, but the form did not become widely used. Later assessments classified UFOs as neither a security threat nor scientifically significant, leading to recommendations that the investigations be discontinued. The project's establishment reflects the strong interest shown by Canadian authorities during the height of the 1952 UFO wave.