Do you know about the fallout shelter Diefenbunker? Located in Carp, Ontario, just outside of Ottawa, this shelter was commissioned to protect Canadian government officials during the Cold War in the event of a nuclear attack!
In August 1958, when the nuclear threat was at its highest, the Canadian government decided to build a bunker to house the government headquarters in the event of an attack. It’s the nuclear fallout shelter Diefenbunker, which became operational in 1961. At four storeys high and with an area of just over 30,000 m2, the Diefenbunker could shelter up to 535 people. Government officials could have stayed there for one month without having to resupply. A system of powerful generators provided electricity, special filters made the air breathable, and a large water supply was sourced from underground wells. An array of antennas was also set up around the bunker to maintain radio communication.
What is the Cold War?
The Cold War was a period of high geopolitical tension after World War II that was characterized by ideological differences between Western democracies and Communist regimes and not by ambitions to expand territories. This historical period is also known for the intensive development of nuclear weapons by two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. The conflict went on for almost 40 years and ended with the fall of the European communist regimes in 1989 and the USSR’s collapse in 1991.
Although never used during this time, the bunker was operational for almost 33 years and served as a communications centre for the Canadian Armed Forces. In 1994, the bunker was designated a National Historic Site.
Today, visitors can come explore the bunker, which has been converted into a museum about the Cold War. The museum is thus an important cultural center that sheds light on both this fascinating period of our history and the history of the building itself through its collections of artifacts and testimonials. In addition, every year, the museum hosts an artist-in-residence to create works inspired by the site! Check it out during your next Ontario vacation!
Cover photo: The tunnel leading to the Diefenbunker (source: Wikimedia Commons).
Article written by Emilie Bernier for Je Me Souviens.
Sources:
- To learn more about Canada’s involvement during the Cold War, check out the article in The Canadian Encyclopedia: “Canada and the Cold War.”
- For more information on how to visit the Diefenbunker and its museum, please visit their website.
