The federal government is investing more than $977,000 into Ottawa’s Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum to make it more environmentally friendly and accessible.

The 100,000-square-foot underground cultural facility is known as Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact.

A comprehensive retrofit will include upgrades for improved air ventilation systems, a new entrance to support more accessibility, and upgraded electrical systems to improve efficiency and support future technology. The project is expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 31.1 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.3 tonnes annually.

“These facility upgrades will allow us to create more accessible and vibrant community spaces for the public to engage with history, so that we can continue thriving as a one-of-a-kind museum and immersive history destination for visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Christine McGuire, executive director of the Diefenbunker,

The funds come from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The Diefenbunker is contributing $244,439 to the project.