Not a Prepper
Bruce believed that most preppers are fiercely individualistic. He believed most of them are primarily concerned with their own personal safety, rather than that of others, and so he distinguished his own efforts from theirs.
By saying that Ark Two and his preparation for a catastrophic event are driven by altruism and a desire to help others, rather than to simply maintain his own personal safety. But while Bruce saw himself as an altruistic contributor to society, others have raised some resistance to his efforts.
Trouble With Local Authorities
Bruce saw Ark Two as a public service, and has repeatedly stated it is a shelter that is open to everyone, local authorities are far from happy with its construction and have repeatedly tried to shut it down.
Ontario’s government has classified Ark Two as a public hazard—and has spent quite a lot of money trying to make it go away. It doesn’t help that Bruce built his bunker without proper permits—although it was constructed on his own private property. Over the years, Bruce has had to appear in court more than 30 times!
Fire Department Woes
The Fire Department’s persistent concerns about Ark Two being a fire hazard have been a source of ongoing tension. They’ve taken the step of temporarily closing the complex multiple times, even going so far as to interrupt a gathering Bruce organized on his property with the intent to shut it down once again.
Bruce, however, steadfastly maintains that these actions are distractions from the substantial mission he’s endeavoring to accomplish. In his view, the focus should remain on the critical task of preparing for and responding to potential cataclysmic events rather than dealing with what he sees as unfounded obstacles.
Bruce’s Prophecy
Bruce’s diverse life experiences, ranging from his service as a radio control tower operator in the United States Air Force to his later career teaching computer science at a college, have uniquely informed his worldview. Drawing from this background, he held a stark conviction that a nuclear conflict would ignite with Pakistan’s strike on India.
He openly admitted, “I used to always say the end of the world was going to be two years from now, but now I say it is going to be two weeks from now—and if I am wrong, I will revise my date.” His perspective underscores the urgency he attaches to disaster preparedness, which is a driving force behind his ambitious Ark Two project.
Staying SAFE
Bruce’s unwavering commitment to Ark Two is grounded in a deeply altruistic and humanitarian philosophy, exemplified by his creation of the SAFE network – an acronym denoting “Safe America For Everyone.” This inclusive ethos extends to the core principle that Ark Two is open to all, irrespective of race, culture, politics, or religion.
The SAFE website explicitly states, “Anyone is welcome to join the Ark Two Refuge Facility—so long as they do so before the catastrophe occurs.” This exemplifies Bruce’s vision of unity, emphasizing that in times of crisis, humanity should come together, transcending divisions for the greater good.
An Optimistic Pessimist
Bruce’s outlook on the future encapsulates a profound dichotomy. He declared, “I am an optimist about the long-term future of mankind but a pessimist about the immediate future.” This sentiment underscores his belief that impending catastrophe may serve as a catalyst for a more resilient and compassionate society to emerge in its aftermath.
His advice to others is equally reflective of his preparedness mindset. He encourages individuals to reflect on their priorities and contemplate their strategies for coping with potential calamities. In doing so, Bruce imparts a message of proactive readiness and the importance of resilience in the face of uncertainty.