The Alsask radar tower has a pricey repair in their future, and the non-profit organization footing the bill is putting out a call for assistance.

Sitting near the border at Alsask, Canada's last standing cold war radar tower CFS Alsask has witnessed a major rejuvenation over the past few years in thanks to volunteer efforts from the heritage charity group based out of Alberta. After discovering a major electrical issue during the last set of tours, the Canadian Civil Defence Museum And Archives team is seeking out donations to cover what's going to be an expensive fix.

Lead member of the group Fred Armbruster gave a timeline of the events following their Canada Day tours.

"One of our guests, who was an electrical inspector, took it upon themselves to review how we have the lights lit inside the tower. The system has been in place before we took over the tower, powered by a remote source like a generator, and the person felt it was not safe and made several conclusions." said Armbruster, as the site was essentially given a 'stop work order' according to Armbruster. "That means there is no more lights inside the tower for tours, until it is deemed safe."

The cost of the needed wire and switching gear is $2000, not counting labour or necessary permits. They will be rewiring the entire lighting system and generator connection to the building, and are estimating that material costs will make up most of the bill.

"We wanted to address this fact in the future... It was something that was in the works, wasn't planned for yet, because something of this nature needs lots of planning, get funding set up for it, and so it's really put us in a huge predicament."

Armbruster's goal is to ensure that the lights are on for the next set of tours coming up August 4. Donations have been trickling in since the issues were initially presented on their Facebook page last Friday, July 5.

"We are just asking people if they can come forward, we are willing to provide a tax receipt for donations in excess of $50. Any nominal amount would be greatly appreciated." said Armbruster, who admitted it's been a slow start. "We've only received one donation so far, and the funds that we received from our last tour are going in full towards this (fix)."

Entry to CFS Alsask during long weekends is already by donation of choice. Armbruster was super thankful to see a donation of $1000 during the last long weekend tours, getting them off to a nice start with a long road to the fundraising goal still ahead.

"We were really blessed. That really helped us out, or otherwise it wouldn't even be an option."

The retired military site already has the public to thank for helping fund it's restoration. Despite the help over the past few years, Armbruster says its tough trying to raise money as a non-profit organization these days.

"Being a not-for-profit charitable organization these days, is not easy to operate. When things come along like this, they are a huge burden, and can actually be disastrous." said a still confident Armbruster, adding that they will do whatever it takes to turn the lights back on.

Donations are being accepted at any time, but another good chance to raise money will come during their August 4 tours. They will be open for business, albeit for a limited experience says Armbruster.

"Worst case scenario is it's a tour without lights."

Whether it's $1 or $1000, Armbruster gave his final pitch for people to help out.

"It's part of Canada's national history. It's the last standing radar tower, and it's a key part of our cold war history." he said, calling it a personal landmark for many as well.

"People need to value that. Because without us preserving this part of our history, it would be gone. It would be gone already if it wasn't for us."

The August 4 tour will be a great chance to see the historic structure for yourself, and help preserve it at the same time. Anyone wanting to help can contact Armbruster through the Museum's Facebook page, email info@civildefence.ca, or call 1-(780) 690-0854.