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These facilities were built, often in great secrecy, at rural locations outside major cities across Canada. Most were 2-storey underground bunkers capable of withstanding a near-hit from a nuclear explosion. Each underground building had massive blast doors at the surface, as well as extensive air filters to prevent radiation infiltration. Underground storage was built for food, fuel, fresh water, and other supplies for the facility which was capable of supporting several dozen people for weeks.
The largest "Diefenbunker" in the country was located west of Ottawa in Carp where that facility was expected to shelter several hundred of the most important federal government bureaucrats, senior military officials, and federal politicians. This facility is most often referred to as The Diefenbunker.
"Diefenbunkers" were located at the following sites:
Following the end of the Cold War, the Penhold, Alberta Diefenbunker (and possibly others) was decommissioned and sold. The Diefenbunker in Carp has been converted into a Cold War museum. At one point a movie studio expressed interest in purchasing the Penhold facility, but it was ultimately purchased by a member of the public.
See also: Canada in the Cold WarCanada played a minor, but occasionally important, role in the Cold War. Throughout the struggle Canada was firmly on the side of the United States and the West. Early Cold War There was never any doubt as to which side Canada would join in the Cold War.
The Diefenbunker Cold War Museum
Canadian Forces bases Military of Canada