In brief
In the quiet rural town of Debert, a 64,000‑square‑foot Cold‑War bunker is being transformed into 50 high‑end condo units designed for billionaires who wish to survive disasters. The project, led by crypto mogul Jonathan Baha'i, promises biometric access, 24‑hour surveillance, a self‑sustaining food system and a nearby data centre, while the old civilian and military legacy of a Diefenbunker raises concerns about privatizing historic sites. The conversion reflects a growing global trend of repurposing military infrastructure into luxury and commercial spaces, with expectations of hotel use when the property is unoccupied. Local residents and historians debate the project’s economic benefits versus the loss of a communal heritage site. Baha'i expects the remodel to finish by early next year and hopes the project will bring business and tourism to the area.
Debert’s 64,000‑square‑foot Cold‑War bunker, built to withstand a nuclear blast, is being converted into 50 luxury condo units for the wealthy. The project is led by Jonathan Baha'i, a crypto magnate who plans to add biometric security, 24‑hour surveillance, a self‑sustaining food system and a high‑security data‑centre, while allowing private jet access from a nearby airport.
Baha'i purchased the bunker in 2013 for just C$31,300 and first turned it into a laser‑tag venue with historical tours. Now the renovation will include a spa, yoga room, cigar lounge, and a cabin designed to retain power and food supplies during a crisis. The plan also expects the condos to be rented out as a boutique hotel when empty, sharing profits with owners.
The transformation reflects a broader trend in Canada and the U.S., where former military bases and underground shelters are being repurposed as survival‑ist communities, data‑centres or luxury accommodations. The Debert municipality, however, is concerned that turning a piece of 20‑th‑century heritage into private property dilutes its historical value, with local museum officials voicing over‑concerns about losing a tangible reminder of the Cold War.
Despite these debates, city officials say residents have expressed no strong opposition to the project, while local businesses hope for increased tourism and commercial activity. The project remains on track for completion early next year, with Baha'i describing the bunker as “a perfectly secure, beautiful Airbnb” that balances storm‑preparedness with opulent living.
