It seems somehow fitting that in our current era of geopolitical tensions, especially in post-Soviet states, a newly released docuseries, Diefenbunker: The Cold War in Nova Scotia, sheds light on Canada’s often overlooked role in the Cold War. Available now on Bell FibeTV, the series delves into the history and significance of the nuclear fallout bunker in Debert, Nova Scotia.
You probably grew up watching Spielberg movies to understand World War II. And while we share a lot of the same stories, we rarely tell them from a truly Canadian perspective. – Kyle Ellsworth
Completed in 1964, the Debert Diefenbunker is one of six almost identical facilities built across Canada during the Cold War. Built by the Canadian government of the time, receiving their nickname from the 13th prime minister of Canada, John Diefenbaker, the bunkers were designed to ensure the continuity of government in the event of nuclear war.
From this lesser-known piece of Canadian history, Halifax-based filmmaker Kyle Ellsworth sought to examine the broader implications of Canada’s position during the period. “Normally, we don’t discuss the Cold War in Canada; we focus on the U.S., the Soviet Union, or their satellite states,” says Ellsworth, who also directed and hosted the series alongside André Myette. “But Canada was a major player, sitting right between two superpowers. The existence of the Diefenbunkers demonstrates how seriously the government took our role in global security.”
The construction of Diefenbunkers stemmed from legitimate fears, not just paranoia. “We had just emerged from World War II, and the idea of another global conflict loomed large,” says Ellsworth. The Cuban Missile Crisis, often regarded as the Cold War’s peak, heightened these fears. “Many people were quite concerned, especially the military, so much so that they put an underground nuclear bunker out in Debert.”
Ellsworth described the Debert bunker as a “high school underground,” with an elaborate series of hallways and rooms designed to house 320 select individuals in the event of nuclear fallout. “This wasn’t just a small underground bunker,” he says. “It’s quite incredible.”
The series also highlights the community impact of the bunker’s construction and eventual decommissioning. At its peak, the base transformed Debert into a bustling hub of 60,000 people. When it shut down, the population dwindled. Today, Debert boasts a population of just 1,400.
For Halifax-based actor David Mortimer, who appears in some of the docuseries reenactments, discovering the bunker’s existence was a revelation. “I thought it was a typo when I first heard about the Diefenbunker,” he says. “I didn’t even know Canada had these structures, let alone in Nova Scotia.”
Playing Captain Daniels, a character inspired by the people who worked at the bunker, Mortimer sought to humanize the story. “The reenactments give us a chance to explore the human side of the Cold War,” he says. “Studying for the role was fascinating. It’s not every day you get to bring a piece of history to life.”
The reenactments also allowed the series to incorporate creative elements inspired by historical anecdotes. For instance, one scene involves characters joking about leaving a ‘confidential’ note in the bunker—a nod to a real discovery by the current owner of the Debert site.
With its blend of interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, Ellsworth says that the decision to include reenactments was a deliberate attempt to bring a Canadian perspective to a genre often dominated by American imagery. “When we started, we knew we wanted to add something cinematic,” he says. “The reenactments help break up the documentary style, keeping it engaging while staying true to the Canadian experience and bring the story to life beyond stock footage and interviews.”
Ellsworth says this was particularly true when compared to the narratives surrounding the United States and the Soviet Union during the period. “Normally, we don’t discuss that era in Canada,” Ellsworth says. “We were very much a major player during the Cold War. Sitting right between the Soviet Union and the Americans provided a fascinating position for us.”
Ellsworth’s connection to the subject stems from his love of history and a growing unease about the world’s geopolitical climate. “I remember living in Germany in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. It was the first time I felt geopolitically uncomfortable,” he recalled. “When Russia fully invaded Ukraine, I realized how relevant these Cold War stories still are.”
The series also culminates in Ellsworth’s years of passion for uncovering forgotten stories. “I’ve always been fascinated by hidden history,” he says. “Learning about the bunker felt like stumbling upon a ghost town—something extraordinary that’s been left behind.”
Mortimer, meanwhile, found the sheer scale of the bunker awe-inspiring. “You’d think you’ve seen it all, then another hallway appears with more rooms. It really drives home how prepared they were—or thought they needed to be—for a nuclear catastrophe,” he says.
Diefenbunker: The Cold War in Nova Scotia offers a fresh perspective on Canada’s historical role in global events. By blending historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, the series is intended to inform and spark reflection on the Cold War’s enduring impact.
“Most of your history, especially from this type of medium, is coming from the United States,” says Ellsworth. “You probably grew up watching Spielberg movies to understand World War II. And while we share a lot of the same stories, we rarely tell them from a truly Canadian perspective.”
Decommissioned in 1996, the Debert Diefenbunker is now privately owned and is one of only two remaining bunkers in Canada. Open to the public, in addition to historical tours, the Debert location also offers laser tag and escape room activities.
For those looking to explore the facility and learn of its history from the comfort of their living rooms, Diefenbunker: The Cold War in Nova Scotia will undoubtedly provide a glimpse into one of Canada’s hidden chapters of history.
Diefenbunker: The Cold War in Nova Scotia is available now on Bell FibeTV and on-demand via the FibeTV1 app.