What should be done with Kitchener's Cold War bunker? Regional staff want to hear from you
Public consultations to be held following council direction
The Region of Waterloo wants the public to weigh in about the fate of a Cold War-era bunker in need of significant repair.
Regional council directed staff during a Wednesday meeting to hold public consultations that will determine how the bunker could be used to "enhance arts, culture and heritage opportunities in the region."
Some possible options, according to a staff report, could include using the bunker as a space for art, community events, filming or Indigenous activities.
The bunker is located at 3571 King St. E. in Kitchener's Schneider Park, near Freeport Hospital. It was first built in 1966 due to fears of a possible nuclear attack during the Cold War, according to a regional staff report about the building.
In recent years, it was used as a meeting space by the KW Amateur Radio Club, and then by the KW Rowing Club. However it is now in such a state of disrepair that the rowing club was told to vacate following building assessments in 2017 and 2018.
Break-ins bring more cost
Recent attention about the bunker has led to "several" break-ins, the staff report said.
"Staff have secured the access points and increased security patrols to the site, which has added operating costs while the building remains vacant," the report said.
The building will need repairs in advance of any future use.
A Heritage Impact Assessment completed last year found the building is worthy of designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The region hopes to begin consultations in early July.