A former Cold War fallout shelter in rural Nova Scotia is being transformed into luxury condominiums for elite clients seeking refuge from global crises. Project co-owner Paul Mansfield says renovation of the 2-story underground bunker started less than a year ago, but the project has already attracted the attention of several wealthy buyers. The price range for the 50 condos is a secret, unless the vetting process determines that you can afford one. The 64,000-square-foot concrete structure was built in 1964, one of six identical shelters built across Canada. Each had 3-feet-thick walls designed to withstand a 5-megaton nuclear blast from a mile away. Advanced life-support systems could filter chemical, biological and radioactive contamination, and each building stored enough food and water to sustain 350 government and military leaders for 90 days. Decommissioned in the 1990s, most of the bunkers were sealed off or destroyed. One is still being used for offices and accommodations at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, north of Quebec. Mansfield says about $8 million has been invested in the project so far. About 15 suites are due for completion next year and the remainder by the end of 2027. When it isn’t being used as a cushy bomb shelter, the bunker’s suites will be part of a boutique hotel, The Diefenbaker. It will have a spa, fitness center, coffee shop and cigar lounge, all guarded by on-site security using thermal radar to guard the perimeter.
