A uniquely Maritime holiday tradition is back across the region.

Christmas trees made out of lobster traps have begun to pop up again across Nova Scotia.

The first tree of this kind appears to have been built in Gloucester, Mass., in the early 2000s.

In Nova Scotia, one of the first trap trees created was in Barrington in 2009. Since then, other communities have started to put up their own trees.

A group of lobster traps shaped into a pyramid covered in buoys topped with an anchor.

Catherine Falconer says she began putting up lobster tree traps in Toney River in 2019, to mark one year after her son had died. 

toney river lobster trap tree

Suzy Atwood, the director of marketing and tourism development in Barrington, said in an interview with CBC Radio's&nbsp;

that since the municipality is the&nbsp;"lobster capital of Canada," it made sense to build&nbsp;a trap tree.

The 200 stacked traps reflects the Shelburne County community, which Atwood said is "shaped by the sea and the fishing industry."

"The lobster industry in particular is the backbone of our community," she said.

In other communities, the tree takes on a more sombre meaning.

Catherine Falconer of Toney River in Pictou County said she began putting up lobster tree traps in that community to mark a year after her son, Nick, died in November 2019 at the age of 24.

"In the beginning, it was mostly just in memory of my son. For us, it's certainly that now still, but I think it's become something that the community has become a part of [and]&nbsp;that they look forward to," Falconer said.

"We also invite the community to put buoys on the tree in memory of lost loved ones for them, as well."

Falconer added that Nick, as well as&nbsp;her husband's family and many others in Toney River fish for a living and have lost loved ones in fishing accidents. She said the tree is "a bit of added light" for the holidays,&nbsp;and a chance for those in the community to gather together and remember those who have died.

Health Canada exemption has been beneficial in N.S., says College of Pharmacists CEO

A Health Canada exemption that allows pharmacists wider authority to extend and renew prescriptions has made a marked improvement to Nova Scotia's health-care system, says the CEO of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.

Prescription drugs are seen on shelves at a pharmacy in Montreal.

Pharmacare 20240110

CEO of Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists says the exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances has made medications more accessible to all Nova Scotians. 

How this Halifax artist is celebrating her life before making her final exit

April Hubbard has applied and been approved for medical assistance in dying. The artist and disability advocate has lived with severe chronic pain, caused by a tethered spinal cord, for decades. But before she accesses MAID, she celebrated her life by planning and attending her own living funeral.

A woman smiling wearing a bedazzled neck brace. 

April Hubbard, 39, celebrated her life with friends and family at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax on Sept. 29. She describes it as "one last big glitzy, sparkly show."

April Hubbard

Celebrated Nova Scotia artist Tom Forrestall dies at age 88

Forrestall won critical acclaim in the 1960s as part of a renewed interest in realist painting. His work can be found in major public and private collections across North America.

Tom Forrestall recently passed away at age of 88. His work can be found in public and private collections across North America.

Tom Forrestall

Forrestall won critical acclaim in the 1960s as part of a renewed interest in realist painting. His work can be found in major public and private collections across North America. Art curator Ray Cronin speaks to Amy Smith about Forrestall's legacy.

Lack of fishing prohibitions in 'grey zone' could pose risk for right whales, expert says

One marine conservation expert has questions about the efforts on the part of Fisheries and Oceans after North Atlantic right whales were detected in the Bay of Fundy in recent weeks.

A breaching whale is seen in dark blue water

Comet, the third dead North Atlantic right whale found this month, is pictured in the Bay of Fundy on Sept. 13, 2009.

Comet the whale

Comet, a North Atlantic right whale that died in 2019, is pictured in the Bay of Fundy on Sept. 13, 2009.

Swifties from Nova Scotia flock to Toronto for Eras Tour

Some Taylor Swift fans from Nova Scotia are making the trip to Toronto to see the international pop star perform on the Eras Tour.

A woman wearing a blue one piece outfit sings into a microphone. Behind her is billowing blue and pink fabric.

Taylor Swift opens her six-night Eras Tour in Toronto on Nov. 14, 2024. 

TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS DAY 1

Taylor Swift began her six nights in Toronto on Thursday.

Barrington's lobster trap Christmas tree, topped with a mini lighthouse.

N.S. communities light up Christmas trees made of lobster traps

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