Out in a rural area of Ontario, Canada, there lives an 83 year old man named Bruce Beach. Beach has built one of the most bizarre and intense structures on the continent. Inspired by a vision, which we will get to, he embarked on this wild mission.
Strange Sight
Even with authorities trying to stop Bruce Beach, he keeps fighting. You can’t see the elaborate detail from above ground, but this project is a lot more guarded than you may have thought. His odd beliefs have led him to build something that many call miraculous. What exactly has Bruce Beach done?
Strange Sight
Moving North
Originally, Bruce Beach is from Winfield, Kansas. As you may have realized, he grew up during a very tense era in his nation’s history. From the Vietnam War to the tensions of the Cold War, the menacing atmosphere sure left its mark on Bruce Beach. Thus, he packed his things and moved with his wife and family into Canada. In Canada, he would start on a mission that would make him famous.
Moving North
Seeking Refuge
Back in 1970 when he made the move, Bruce Beach wasn’t just looking for any old spot in Canada. So, the family went to his wife Jean’s old hometown, Horning Mills. Horning Mills is a small village in rural Ontario, about two hours from Toronto. There, Beach felt they were in the safest spot. However, it wasn’t only safety he was seeking. He had big plans…
Seeking Refuge
Odd Collection
From 1980 to 1985, Bruce Beach began collecting retired school buses from wherever he could find them. Each one cost him around $300, and he simply ordered them to his house. Beach collected 42 buses! Although it was expensive, it was all crucial to his master plan. So, what did he need all these buses for and where we he put them?
Odd Collection
Digging The Pit
All of the buses were covered with reinforced steel roofs, which Bruce wanted because he thought they were blast-proof. Thus, he organized them side by side before dismantling them. On 12.5 acres, by his property, he created a huge pit around the buses. With help, he was able to create a 14 foot deep hole and cover the buses completely. The real reason he buried the buses left most people dumbfounded.
Digging The Pit
Finalizing The Plan
Alas, the buses were under ground, and he could finalize his grand plan. Next, he sealed the bus pit with two feet of concrete. No, this not a collection to show off. He opened the buses and connected them in a sort of labyrinth. Now, the buses became an underground shelter. Wait, why does he need a shelter? The answer may not be what you expected.
Finalizing The Plan
Finished Work
As he completed his project, Bruce Beach decided to name it Ark Two. His maze measures around 10,000 square feet. Within the walls of this underground labyrinth, he can fit a total of 500 people! Well, that is, if they’re lucky to be let in. Of course, Beach claims he designed the space for people to use it, but he’s been very particular about who can use it…
Finished Work
Special Screening
Beach has thought long and hard about who he will let into Ark Two and under which circumstances. Firstly, he does not want anyone who is ill to enter his underground project, especially if they are carrying an infectious disease. However, even if someone appears physically healthy, he requests to screen them under strict standards. He is afraid of others bringing in contaminants from above ground. As Bruce Beach sees it, he must keep Ark Two completely sterile. Thus, he invented a solution.
Special Screening
Disease Free Area
There are actually seven separate entrances into Ark Two. Yet, before one can enter, they are checked if they’re a risk to other people. This check involves not only a rigorous screening but immediate shower when they enter. Bruce Beach only lets those in who pass through his specially designed decontamination chamber. He wants to ensure that new arrivals will not put others at risk. He is determined to keep disease out. He began this strict policy ever since his project was completed.
Disease Free Area
Proper Supervision
At first, hearing someone just took some old buses and put them in a pit, you might get the wrong idea. Actually, Bruce Beach had a bit of help when building his dream project. According to him, the underground bunker is very reliable and sound. A structural engineer helped supervise him. Wait, which engineer would watch over such a bizarre project?
Proper Supervision
Fully Stocked
Dont trust Bruce on this? Well, he claims the engineer who supervised the construction is none other than the man who built Toronto’s subway system. Apparently, this man was up for the job. Also, Bruce Beach made sure he stocked the bunker with diesel generators that can last up to three months with fuel he’s collected. Oh and there’s a fully-functioning plumbing system down there. Yes, we are getting to the other basic needs…
Fully Stocked
The Basics
Sure a plumbing system is nice, but humans need a lot more than a bathroom. If the labyrinth goes into full use like Bruce Beach intends, people will need fresh water. Thus, Bruce Beach engineered a well for drinking supplies. Seriously, Beach has thought of everything so his Ark Two can be self-sufficient. You won’t believe his even more detailed plan he came up with…
The Basics
There’s Even a Kitchen!
Did you really think Beach wouldn’t construct a subterranean kitchen? When the time arrives to use Ark Two, Bruce is full prepared. He even drafted a friends of his who is a cook for his guest list. He hopes here will be an endless supply of fresh biscuits for all those hiding in the bunker. Of course, stocking food supplies for an entire population comes with its share of difficulties. Sadly, Bruce has needed to throw out lots of food throughout the years, but he still keeps his bunker well-stocked for the future.
There’s Even A Kitchen!
Maximizing Space
Something that surprise some is Bruce Beach’s policy to separate by gender. Why the strict policy on separating the sexes? According to Beach, this will save room. If families stay together in his sleeping chambers, he believes space will be wasted. Thus, he plans to segregate genders to maximize the number of people that can sleep in the bunks. So what will all these rules help with? What’s Bruce planning for?
Maximizing Space
Thinking of the Kids
Bruce Beach has spent about four or so decades on his intricate plan and construction of Ark Two. As you probably realized by now, no part of the Ark goes unplanned, even for the younger generation. Since he hopes kids will be able to continue an education in Ark Two, he set up a learning and play area. Beach has set up chess for them, along with toys, tricycles, a classroom and nursery, in addition to children’s bunks. However, that’s not even all of it…
Thinking Of The Kids
Added Bonuses
Over the years, Bruce has thought of various accessories and extra features others. Say for instance, the dentist’s chair he included…who else would have thought of that? Oh, there’s also a mortuary and a brig or prison for anyone who chooses not to follow his rules. Clearly, in a bunker, maintaining order would be crucial. Thus, he installed three security monitors in the bunker. In addition, he turned an old exercise bike into a special wheat-grinding mill! Still, you can’t stay down there forever…
Added Bonuses
Outside Communication
Sure, he imagines people will enter Ark Two voluntarily, but Bruce Beach still understands the importance of keeping up with the outside world. If he is readying the bunker to hold 500 people, it’s crucial to hear what’s going on in the world. Thus, he rigged up a radio communications system that broadcasts both FM and AM, with a range reaching all of America and Canada. Wait, why does he need to reach that many people…what’s going on?
Outside Communication
Bracing For The Apocalypse
Beach happens to be a “prepper.” What are “preppers”, you ask. Well, they are people who think the apocalypse is coming, so they need to prepare. Of course, some people have this belief for religious reasons, while others have looked at things like the Ancient Mayan calendar like the 2012 predicted end of the world. Nearly 50 years ago, Beach left the United States in order to build Ark Two, but his fear comes from something entirely different.
Bracing For The Apocalypse
Annual Gatherings
Most people don’t believe the “preppers” but they still band together and hold Annual Preppers Meetings. At the meetings, they learn how to best prep for the apocalypse. They run workshops teaching each other how to deal with living during and after the apocalypse. Seriously, they have classes like, “Dispatching And Skinning Rabbits,” “Zombie Survival Camp,” and “Surviving In The Wilderness.” So, what do the other survivalists think of Beach’s project, Ark Two?
Annual Gatherings
Special Access
To get inside Beach’s Ark Two is a feat in itself. He’s very protective and touring the facility is not free. Even press have needed to be deemed worthy before touring it. Some journalists performed a task in order to be let in such as, chopping some firewood. However, once they entered, they saw not everything in the underground bunker is rainbows and butterflies.
Special Access
Costly Burden
Creating and protecting Ark Two has come at a high cost for not only Bruce Beach but his family too. Maintenance of the bunker is a continual challenge and not just financially. Over the years, rats have discovered the wheat bags Bruce was storing and destroyed his supplies before invading his home. In addition, Beach has also dealt with theft, floods and even fires. Of course, there are outside factors he must face too.
Costly Burden
Hazard To The Community
Unfortunately, Ontario’s local government isn’t too pleased about Ark Two. They see it as a huge dangerous hazard even if Beach claims it will serve the public. The government wants it destroyed since it was built without permits. Actually, Bruce Beach has been attempting to get permits and went to court over 30 times. Meanwhile, the local government spent more than $250,000 trying to shut him down. Beach clearly made enemies in the name of his vision, which is driven by one specific reason.
Hazard To The Community
Closing The Project
Besides dealing with the local government, Bruce Beach also must deal with the local fire department. The fire brigades have taken action by sealing off his structure twice! Beach then needed to reopen it. Then in 2015, while Bruce was gathering with other Canadian survivalists, the fire department threatened to shut down his bunker for the third time. Meanwhile, Bruce Beach claims that all of these interventions simply prevent him from saving others from destruction. Well, what does his own family believe?
Closing The Project
His Other Half
Sure, most people wouldn’t buy into the idea of a nuclear apocalypse coming any day. Lucky for Bruce Beach, he has his wife Jean to support him. This 90 year old woman, who is hard of hearing, still helps Beach with planning and inventory. She’s been supporting him the whole time. Even though the Cold War ended long ago, that didn’t ease their fears. Well, what about bruce Beach’s children?
His Other Half
Skeptics
Now, that Bruce Beach’s children are adults with their own kids, they’ve been outspoken about their views of Bruce’s apocalyptic worldview. Simply put, they’re done with it. I mean can you imagine growing up in that environment? We don’t blame them. That must have been really troubling to grow up constantly frightened of a nuclear attack from such a young age. How does their contradictory view affect their father?
Skeptics
Selfless Motives
Over the years as the threat of nuclear war has fallen and risen, Beach continued to prepare. He doesn’t mind what others think of him. He believes he is doing the best thing to aid society. Actually, he believes many “preppers” are more selfish in nature and too focused on their own survival. In contrast, he sees himself as different with Ark Two exceeding all other preppers’ visions. But how?
Selfless Motives
Safe America For Everyone
Ark Two is also known as SAFE, or “Safe America For Everyone.” According to Bruce Beach, this shelter is built to be a true melting pot, open to all regardless of religion, race, culture or politics. Beach, the manager of what has become the largest nuclear shelter on the continent, would be responsible for hundreds if there was a catastrophic attack. So, he wants to make it clear all would be welcome…if they got in! How long could that last though?
Safe America For Everyone
Just Temporary
According to Bruce, his Ark Two could hold people for around three weeks. However, that’s for the worst-case scenario. Hopefully, he would be able to refuel, rest and move to the next safe location. However, Bruce Beach continues to do his best to help others in the event of nuclear apocalypse. Yet, his vision seems to leave out the effects of a nuclear winter. What exactly does he think could set this off?
Just Temporary
His Prediction
While Bruce Beach worked as a radio control tower operator in the US Air Force, he first became concerned about the possibility of nuclear war. In addition, he’s a former professor of computer science. Let’s put aside nuclear threats from North Korea today or even old threats from the Soviets. Beach has something else on his mind…claiming nuclear war isn’t an ‘if’ but rather ‘when.’ He believes the nuclear apocalypse will begin by a chain of events initiated when Pakistan hikes India. Although, he has a positive message despite the chaos.
His Prediction
Only The Beginning
Although some of his visions are terrifying, Bruce Beach claims this isn’t the end but rather the beginning. Then he described a process of rehabilitation that he hopes would give birth to a new type of humanity. The man known as Marta Iwanek/Toronto StarBruce Beach has many supporters but also detractors. Despite what anyone thinks of him, all the work Bruce put into Ark Two is truly remarkable.
Only The Beginning