Region to consider options for Cold War bunker in Kitchener

In a year of financial pressure, Regional Council will have a difficult decison to make regarding a Cold War bunker that is 55 years old.

The bunker was built in 1966 near Grand River Hospital's Freeport Campus, and was meant to house local officials in the event of a nuclear strike.

Officials likely wouldn't isolate in that bunker in the present, especially because of the asbestos contained within. Instead, they'll have to decide what to do with the piece of history.

It's one of just two municipally-owned bunkers in the province. The other is the “Diefenbunker,” serving as a museum near Ottawa.

The Region's Heritage Advisory Committee said there is value in keeping the bunker and restoring it, according to Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

“Everything is possible, but it obviously comes with a price attached to it,” Vrbanovic told the Mike Farwell Show on 570 NEWS. 

The range of options go from total removal and demolition, which would cost around $200,000, to restoration, which is estimated above $1 million.

Vrbanovic said the options in between should also be considered, such as keeping part of the bunker. He also wants other funding partners to be considered such as heritage organizations or the Department of National Defence.

“It does also remind us … of those wars, and the impacts of them, and the arms race, and how as a society we need to continue to work really hard to build peace and understanding between our peoples and between our countries,” he added.

Regional staff will bring a report to council sometime this year.