Continuity of Government program designed to provide a base of operations for Nova Scotia's
Emergency Government, in the event of civil emergencies and to protect people from nuclear,
chemical and biological fallout. It could not withstand a direct atomic blast.

The Bunker could house and feed up to approximately 350 people. It could be locked down and be self-sufficient for 60-90 days with its own air, water, power and food. It had its own back up power source and w'ater supplied by three deep wells strategically located in the Debert area.

The temperature inside of the bunker was kept at a constant 48 degrees. The bunker walls consist of 10 inches of concrete.

In case of nuclear or biochemical fallout the outside air was brought in through a bank of charcoal filters and one percent of that air was circulated throughout the building.

In the base of a nuclear blast everyone entering the bunker would have to go through the decontamination showers where they would first take a shower which would remove debris from their clothing. Then the clothing was removed and discarded and then another shower was

taken. If all the hazardous material was not removed then another shower was taken. Fresh clothing was then put on in the dressing room.

In the mid 70's the Federal and Provincial governments decided to substantiate the cost of maintaining the cost of operating the building, was to put one of three Communication Centre's tor the Armed Forces across Canada., in the Bunker at Camp Debert. During the summer months the Militia conducted communication training schools, and from September to June the RCMP ran breathalyzer and dog training courses.

In the early 90.'s the building was turned over to the Department of National Defence., who were in the process of downsizing closed in July of 1996 officially handing over the management of the park to Colchester Park Development Society in 1997 and later in the early 2000.'s to the present owners Colchester Regional Development Association. 

In 2005 the Debert Hospitality Centre Was successful in bringing the Regional Gliding School (Atlantic) to the Debert area where they conduct sUInnler glidIng ~ining for over 100 cadets each summer. The cadets sleep in the bUnker and all their office space is located in this facility .

The bunker covers about aI1 acre of land, it is a two story building with the top floor taken up by sleeping quarters, hospital, kitchen, vault and storage areas. The bottom level housed the operations, communications, mechanical room and living quarters for the Premier, Lieutenant Governor and top military officials and their aids. The building is constructed of cement and is covered with eighteen inches of dirt.

For more information on the museum please contact the museum at 1-902-662-2860 (phone/fax), email debert.museum@ns.sympatico.ca or visit our website at www.debertmilitarymuseum.org