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Nanaimo's Closed Diefenbunker Is a Relic of a Time at the Edge of Nuclear Catastrophe
Artifacts, photos and video show how the secret shelter was meant to protect government leaders during a nuclear attack.
- The Vancouver Island Military Museum recently opened a permanent exhibit showcasing Nanaimo's Cold War shelter, featuring artifacts and photographs illustrating the underground site. Museum president Brian McFadden said the project aims to display what the facility looked like beneath the surface.
- Prime Minister John Diefenbaker oversaw the creation of seven secret bunkers between 1959-61 to ensure government continuity during nuclear threats. Nanaimo's shelter plan activated on May 3, 1960, when the Cold War crisis reached a critical point.
- During the 1960 crisis, Premier Bennett and his cabinet retreated to the bunker, which served as the provincial capital for one day. Policy prohibited officials from bringing family, which McFadden called a "hard decision for anybody to make."
- Museum president McFadden partnered with the Diefenbunker Museum in Carp, Ont., to source dozens of articles, photographs and videos. The exhibit replaced a Canadian Forces Snowbirds display removed following the 2026 season.
- McFadden notes the exhibit reminds visitors of peace's fragility, contrasting government bunkers with "duck and cover" propaganda advised for the Canadian public. Today, Nanaimo's shelter entrance is bulldozed, leaving only a fence and sign.
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12 Articles
Nanaimo's closed Diefenbunker is a relic of a time at the edge of nuclear catastrophe - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
As the Cold War reached its peak, nuclear war seemed inescapable. Fortunately, then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker had a plan – it just wasn’t for everyone. Diefenbaker made sure that […]
Nanaimo's closed Diefenbunker is a relic of a time at the edge of nuclear catastrophe - The Interior News - Smithers BC
As the Cold War reached its peak, nuclear war seemed inescapable. Fortunately, then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker had a plan – it just wasn’t for everyone. Diefenbaker made sure that […]
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Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
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