In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union. He was determined to reform his country, and to end the arms race with the United States. In 1989, the Berlin Wall, which symbolized the divide between the West and the Soviet bloc, fell. On December 3, 1989, at the Malta Summit, Gorbachev and President George Bush Sr. declared the Cold War over. From 1989 to 1991, a series of political events eventually led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and what many considered the end of the Cold War.

Gradually, Canada withdrew its troops from Germany. Military spending was cut. The network of air raid sirens across the country was decommissioned. People around the world collectively sighed in relief and began to look back upon how close we had come to nuclear annihilation.

When the Bunker closed in 1994, the military emptied it of all equipment and furniture. The Bunker was purchased by a local group of volunteers who saw the value in conserving this emblematic artifact of Canada in the Cold War.

When you leave the Bunker, look around outside. Notice how un-noticeable the Bunker was designed to be, the result of careful preparedness in a time of nuclear anxiety.

The staff and volunteers at the Diefenbunker would like to thank you for your interest in this unique National Historic Site. Your contribution keeps our not-for-profit museum operating. The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is dedicated to presenting stories of the Cold War, including Canada’s emergency preparedness and promoting peaceful ways for conflict resolution.

We are honoured that many former workers and military personnel have shared with us their stories of life in the Diefenbunker and Canada during the Cold War.

When you are finished, please return to the top level, where you can return this device to the same place where you picked it up.

Thank you for listening.