Diefenbunker still needs $3M for repairs

The DiefenbunkerMuseum still needs $3 million to bring its electrical plumbing and information technology systems up to current standards, its executive director says.

The nearly 60-year-old Cold War-era shelter in Carp was built to house Canada's military and government leaders in the event of a nuclear attack, but as CBC has previously reported, today it has trouble keeping the toilets flushing.

Christine McGuire, executive director of theDiefenbunker Museum, describes the condition of the facility as "really dire."

The museum still requires $3 million for repairs despite receiving$400,000Wednesday from a federal government tourism fund.

"We areso thrilled," McGuire said of the new funding on Wednesday.

The money will go toward improving tourism services, youth programs and the infrastructure of the national historic site, she said. Currently, theDiefenbunkersees 80,000 visitors a year.

"This type of funding and the support from all levels of government is crucial to safeguard this this non-profit museum," she said.

Improvements underway

The Diefenbunker has already started spending the new money on aseries of improvements to make it a more attractivetourist destinationboth nationally and internationally,McGuire said.

Some of the projects underway include the development of new exhibitionssuch as a visual timeline at the entrance that willhelp new guests learn about key events in the Cold War before they enter the Diefenbunker.

The museum is also installing new road signs to make it easier for visitors to find it. Inside, new more signage will help visitors find their way around thefour-story underground bunker.

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"We're also very excited about the development of an eight-language audio tour and then a dedicated space for young people," said McGuire.

In addition, the aging historic site is in need of infrastructure upgrades ranging from accessible washrooms to electrical system improvements. CBCOttawa reported in 2016 that only 23 of the bunker's 55 toilets were useable.

McGuire confirmed that around 85 per cent of the Diefenbunker washrooms remain in disrepair today, and that some of the money has already been used to renovate three washrooms, one of them which is fully accessible.

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"For people visiting, you can already start to see the changes, and then some some changes are top secret and you have to come back at the end of the year to see those," McGuire said.

The federal funding comes from the government's Canadian Experiences Fund, which supports communities looking to enhance their tourist attractions.

"Strong regional economies are essential for Canada's success and sustainability," said KanataCarleton MP Karen McCrimmon in a news release announcing the funding Wednesday. "This investment will help the Diefenbunker Museum to boost tourism and better tell the story of Canada's Cold War history."

The Diefenbunker is a not-for-profit museum, and even though it is a designated national historic site, it doesn't receive federal funding and must compete with other museums for grants.

The museum has faced a cash crunch in recent years thathas ledit to take other measures to raise revenue, including an escape room and camps for kids.