Cold War bunker in rural N.S. being restored as a fallout shelter — with a luxury spa

A common cold state of war dugout in Nova Scotia's Colchester County is face of the earth restored to its archetype purpose, with the ownership billing it as a "luxury safe haven" in the event of a fallout. 

The Debert Diefenbunker opened in 1964 in response to a heightened threat of nuclear war. The two-storey bunker, among six across the country, was designed to house government officials during a time of crisis. 

It most recently served as a tourist attraction with laser tag, escape rooms and historic tours. Now the almost 6,000-square-metre space is being renovated into dozens of suites with luxury amenities including a spa, gym, café and lounge.

Its owners, who recently presented their vision for the bunker to the Municipality of Colchester council, also plan to build a tunnel to a neighbouring former NATO building where food will be grown. 

"It's not just a physical space, it's a space where we also look after your mental and physical well-being as well," said Paul Mansfield, one of the owners of The Diefenbaker project, in the presentation to council. 

It is named after Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who oversaw the construction of the bunkers. 

Eleven units have already been sold, according to Mansfield. He said full payment has been received, but would not disclose the price when asked by a member of council. 

"I don't know where to begin. This is quite luxurious in comparison to what I saw when I did a tour a few years back," said Colchester Mayor Christine Blair. 

"To have 11 sold when you don't even have any built, that's significant in itself," she added. 

In a statement, Colchester CAO Dan Troke said the bunker's ownership has a number of future plans that involve discussions with the municipality. 

"Any future land matters, like a purchase-of-land request, would typically come in closed session with decisions being made public," he said. 

The municipality owns the Debert airport which neighbours the bunker property. 

Mansfield said that proximity and access to the airport is very important for The Diefenbaker clientele who have their own private aircraft. He said security is also paramount, which is why they're working with a company that protects the likes of Elon Musk and the Kardashian family. 

Condo owners would also be able to rent out their units when the threat of global conflict, climate disaster, cyber security incidents and social unrest is low. 

"When it's not being used as a doomsday bunker, we're going to use it as a boutique hotel," said Mansfield, adding the interim use could employ 35 to 40 people. 

"If somebody was renting it as a hotel room and something happened and they had to get kicked out, they would get kicked out." 

With renovations already a year underway, council requested a tour as well as an information session for the general public. 

Anyone who is looking to buy a unit has to request an invitation on the company's website. The renovation is expected to be complete by early 2027. 

Multiple requests for an interview with Jonathan Baha'i,, who is listed as the sole director of Fallout Complex Inc., which owns the bunker property, were not returned. 

Reporter

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