Effort to preserve underground North Bay military complex gains momentum
Momentum is building in the fight to save the underground NORAD military complex in North Bay.
The National Trust for Canada group has placed the bunker on its list of endangered places. The group, as well as a local man, are calling on that the Canadian government and the Department of National Defence save it and repurpose it.
Trevor Schindeler is leading the campaign.
“There’s a danger that it will be decommissioned, demolished and allowed to flood out,” said Schindeler. “In some ways, we’re only standing here today because of the efforts and hard work of NORAD personnel working in the complex.”
The underground military complex at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay was built during the Cold War to withstand the blast from a nuclear bomb. It was used from 1963-2006 before it was partially decommissioned. It was deemed surplus to military needs in 2012.
Schindeler’s fight to save the bunker was given a major boost when the National Trust for Canada group placed the facility on its top 10 endangered places list.
“What we’re advocating for is that the federal government actually take the time and do their best efforts in this process to actually think creatively about the building,” said Robert Pajot, leader of National Trust for Canada Regeneration Project.
In a statement, the Department of National Defence said because the complex is costly to maintain, there are environmental concerns and security issues it plans to fully decommission the complex after studies are completed.
Momentum is building in the fight to save the underground NORAD military complex in North Bay. (Supplied)
“As a first step, we will examine our options by completing a hazardous materials study, followed by an environmental contamination assessment and remediation study, and a decommissioning study, expected in early 2022,” said spokesperson Jessica Lamirande. “These studies will help us determine costs and timelines for proposed and recommended options.”
The Department of National Defence said it will work the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office to ensure that it meets all requirements to document and preserve the history and heritage value of the complex before starting decommissioning activities.
“It has such amazing potential. We’ve seen other underground Cold War complexes reused for historic sites right here in Ottawa,” said Pajot. “It’s such a cool site. It can be reused.”
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald said the city will continue to work with the federal government in an effort to protect the bunker.
“It’ll cost millions of dollars just to keep it open. Do I think it’s a wonderful asset that should be protected for the City of North Bay? Absolutely yes,” said McDonald.
Schindeler is calling on other elected officials to support the effort to repurpose the complex.
“It would be a huge loss for Canada. This isn’t a North Bay issue, but a Canadian issue and intentional issue. The Cold War affected everyone in the world,” he said.
While the Department of National Defence acknowledges the effort of third party groups, it maintains bringing the facility up to proper health and safety standards is not practical due to time and necessary funding required.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.