DEBERT, NS — They are a reflection of the world’s fear of nuclear destruction during the Cold War — bunkers, built across Canada to protect politicians and government officials in the case of nuclear attack.
Atlantic Canada’s bunker in Debert, Nova Scotia is one of six like it in Canada, built in the 1960’s under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Built in 1964, the ‘Diefenbunker’, spans 3.7 acres over two floors.
Nova Scotia native Jonathan Baha’i bought the bunker in November in a tax sale for $31,000, plus $5,000 for the parking lot. Since then, he’s been tuning it up, and looking for ideas of how to use – and preserve – the piece of history.
He noticed the sale in a local newspaper back in August.
“At the time, I didn’t think anything of it, I was just thinking, ‘yeah, whoever gets that place is crazy because it’s going to take millions to clean it up,'” he said.
A web host by trade, Baha’i has been putting lots elbow grease into fixing up the place, which was overtaken by mould.
The bunker was originally designed to withstand a near-miss from a nuclear explosion. It was once equipped with air filters to prevent radiation infiltration and stocked with enough food and water to support 350 people for several weeks.
Hidden crevices, idle equipment and dozens of rooms makes for a time-consuming and expensive endeavor for Baha’i to take on. He’s been documenting his progress online.
The redemption period after the tax sale lasted until just two weeks ago, and so now Baha’i is officially the new owner and looking for ways to brighten the bunker’s future.
He’s hoping to maintain it as data storage centre as it was under the previous owner, Anton Self. But for now, he’s finding other ways to make use of the place – recently hosting paintball and air soft games – the bunker was also the setting for a movie that will air in September.
He’s had some help along the way. Curious people have shown up, says Baha’i, and offered their services to help revamp the bunker.
“I love it. Absolutely love it. This is probably my fifth or sixth weekend I’ve come down to volunteer,” said Justin Gale, an electrical technician.
As a member of the Baha’i faith, he says his religion is all about peace, so he finds his new purchase a little ironic.
“The fact that I’m the owner of a building which was the antithesis of all that. That historically was to prepare for the absolute destruction of humanity, it’s really ironic when you think about it.”
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