The federal and provincial government have announced combined funding of nearly $1.1 million for renovations to the Diefenbunker, a Cold War museum located to the west of Ottawa.

The site, which is 60 years old, is a four-storey underground bunker that was built as a shelter for high-ranking officials in the Canadian Government in the event of a nuclear war. It was active as a Canadian Forces Station until 1994, and now operates as a charitable museum.

The announced renovations will improve ventilation, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems while modernizing the 60-year-old washrooms and elevator to meet accessibility standards.

"To protect existing visitors and welcome new ones, as well as to preserve an incredible artifact, we need to bring the Cold War bunker into the 21st century,” said executive director Christine McGuire. “That is what this funding will do—it safeguards a unique piece of Canadian history. We are incredibly grateful to the federal and provincial governments for this important support, especially during these difficult times."

The Government of Canada is investing $596,860 toward this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is investing $492,410 and the Diefenbunker Museum is contributing $402,881 to this project.

"The $596,860 that we're investing in the renovation and revitalization of the Diefenbunker will keep this important part of our history alive to serve the local community as well as visitors from across Canada and beyond,” said federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna. “It will be a wonderful, accessible and inclusive learning resource for many generations to come. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities."