The Region's Nuclear Bunker: The Historic Waterloo County Municipal Emergency Government Headquarters
This project supports the Region of Waterloo's strategic focus area(s):
"There is a nuclear bunker in our community?! Why haven't I heard of it?!"
In 1966, at the height of the Cold War, Waterloo County built a Municipal Emergency Government Headquarters (MEGHQ), a fall out shelter to house the people they felt they needed (government officials, engineers, etc.) to keep the government going in the event of a nearby nuclear attack. Luckily, we never needed to use the bunker for its intended purpose and it was "decommissioned" in 1992. Since then, it has been used in training exercisesContinue reading
This project supports the Region of Waterloo's strategic focus area(s):
"There is a nuclear bunker in our community?! Why haven't I heard of it?!"
In 1966, at the height of the Cold War, Waterloo County built a Municipal Emergency Government Headquarters (MEGHQ), a fall out shelter to house the people they felt they needed (government officials, engineers, etc.) to keep the government going in the event of a nearby nuclear attack. Luckily, we never needed to use the bunker for its intended purpose and it was "decommissioned" in 1992. Since then, it has been used in training exercises and by community groups, but- has been vacant since 2017 due to the presence of asbestos and mold within the building.
The Region is looking for ideas from the community about how this unique structure, in a beautiful setting, could be adapted for modern uses. To go directly to the survey please click here: Adaptive-reuse-survey
About the Structure
- The 5,720 sq. ft. structure is next to the Grand River on approximately 1.5 acres of land.
- Mounded earth structure was built into the landscape to be inconspicuous.
- It was built to be self sufficient with its own sewage and water systems and generator for electricity.
- It could house about 40 individuals for several weeks.
- There were women's and men's dormitories, toilet and shower facilities, a kitchen, operations room, lecture room and decontamination areas.
- The 10 inch thick concrete walls and roof give it a nuclear fall out rating of 500 (the radiation inside the structure was 1/500 what it would be outside the structure)
Today, washrooms and several smaller rooms remain as well as a large 1,600 sq. ft. room that opens onto a lawn leading to the river.
There are limitations on what the MEGHQ could be used for today. Because of the close proximity of the Grand River and flood plain, it can not be used for any sort of overnight accommodation.
"Where is the MEGHQ Bunker?"
The Bunker is located on the banks of the Grand River adjacent to:
- the Schneider Park boat launch;
- the Walter Bean Trail;
- the Freeport Campus of Grand River Hospital;
- the historic Freeport Bridge;
- an iXpress bus stop (Route 206);
The Bunker is just minutes away from Fairview Road, and less than 2 km from the proposed Sportsworld Crossing ION LRT station.
"The Cold War wasn't so long ago, this represents a dark part of our history that most want to forget. The Bunker is not a significant cultural heritage resource we should be saving."
Heritage Significance
- This structure is unique: It is believed to be the only example of a purpose-built Municipal Emergency Government Headquarters (MEGHQ) still in existence and in government ownership in Canada.
- It was designed by the same architectural firm that designed the CN Tower.
- It uses a form of construction that is unique and will rarely, if ever, be replicated again in modern times.
- It is a relic of a relatively short but impactful and scary time in our nation's history.
"So what is happening now with the MEGHQ nuclear bunker?"
Please give us your opinion on this rare piece of Cold War history and tell us how you think the bunker could be used.
To take part, please complete the survey : Adaptive-reuse-survey
You may also email your comments to Regional staff at: bcoady@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Spring Start for Remediation Work
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Region of Waterloo has obtained a contractor to begin remediation work on the Bunker structure this spring. The tender is anticipated to be issued for April 2022 depending on weather conditions. All remediation work is estimated to be completed by October 2022. Planning for the future use of this space is also ongoing, and staff are developing a work plan for consultation, engagement and land use decisions.
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Stabilization and Remediation of the Heritage Structure
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkRegional Council’s 2022 Plan and Budget has included investments in many strategic initiatives including the stewardship of Regional facility assets and Regionally owner heritage structures. As part of the budget process, Regional Council directed staff to undertake immediate repair work to waterproof, abate, secure, and stabilize the Nuclear Bunker structure at 3571 King Street East. Council also directed staff to consult with the City of Kitchener, Grand River Hospital, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and other interested parties regarding a future community use of the structure. For more information about the 2022 Plan and Budget, visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/PlanandBudget.
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Discussions on the Future of the Nuclear Bunker
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe future of the Nuclear Bunker is being discussed as part of the Region's 2022 Plan and Budget. The date that the Nuclear Bunker will be considered for possible budget allocations is at the November 24, 2021 meeting of the Budget Committee. If you are interested in following this discussion, registering as a delegation, or submitting feedback regarding possible budget allocations for the Nuclear Bunker structure, please visit: Region of Waterloo Council Calendar. The agenda and YouTube link for this meeting will be posted shortly.
Further, the Region's 2022 Plan and Budget process has an Engage Region of Waterloo page. Use this link to find pertinent information and other methods to provide feedback on the Budget process: Budget 2022
Thank you all for your ongoing interest.
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Thank You For Your Feedback
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAlmost 1,000 individuals responded to the "Repurposing the Region's Nuclear Bunker" survey! This feedback has been summarized within a report that will be presented to the Region's Committee of the Whole on September 14, 2021. A link to the Agenda which includes the Report (# PDL-CUL-21-03) titled: Regional Bunker: 3571 King Street East Community Engagement and Next Steps" can be found HERE
Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions on the Region's Nuclear Bunker.
Photos
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Location of the Waterloo County MEGHQ
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Outside Storage, Stairwell Entrance, Communication Tower
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Internal photo
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Internal floor plan of the MEGHQ
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Above ground communications equipment and infrastructure
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Remnant rooftop infrastructure
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Chimneys and rooftop infrastructure
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Exposed concrete roof of the MEGHQ bunker
Background Information and Documentation
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Heritage Impact Assessment for 3571 King Street East (9.76 MB) (PDF)
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Regional Heritage Planning Advisory Committee: January 14, 2021 Minutes regarding the Nuclear Bunker (61.1 KB) (pdf)
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Heritage Kitchener: April 6, 2021 Minutes regarding the Nuclear Bunker (2.02 MB) (pdf)
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Region of Waterloo Committee of the Whole Minutes: June 1, 2021
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Region of Waterloo Committee of the Whole Minutes: October 6, 2020
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Waterloo County MEGHQ (15.4 MB) (PDF)
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A Guide to Civil Emergency Planning (1964) (6.82 MB) (pdf)
Important Links
- Record Article: June 1, 2021 "Regional council balks at spending more on Cold War bunker"
- Record Artilce: May 29, 2021 "Fixing Waterloo Region’s Cold War bunker and reusing it now pegged at $4M"
- Record Article: April 18, 2021 "Group starts petition, non-profit to save Cold War bunker"
- Record Article: March 8, 2021 "Kitchener’s Cold War bunker felt ‘a little eerie"
- Record Article: January 16, 2021 "WATERLOO REGION Cold War bunker a unique piece of Waterloo Region’s history that should be preserved, heritage committee says"
Who's Listening
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HC
Phone 519-575-4400 TTY: 519-575-4608 Email Hchimirrirussell@regionofwaterloo.ca -
BC
Phone 519-575-4400 TTY: 519-575-4608 Email bcoady@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Notice of Collection
To the extent that the foregoing information constitutes personal information as defined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter M.56 as amended, the information is subject to provisions of that Act and will be used to collect community feedback on the topics posted on this forum.
Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to Bridget Coady, Principal Planner Cultural Heritage at bcoady@regionofwaterloo.ca.