From Scrap to Spectacle: Life-Sized Dinosaur Sculpture Stuns Nova Scotia

A small town in Nova Scotia has a giant new attraction — and it’s made entirely out of scrap metal.

In Cumberland County, retired mechanic and painter John Choisnet has transformed discarded car parts into a towering 12-foot-6 tall Tyrannosaurus rex, now known locally as “Trexy.” The massive dinosaur sculpture stretches 42 feet in length, with feet measuring over three feet wide and five feet long, making it nearly life-sized.

The sculpture was built using parts from multiple vehicles, including two PT Cruisers, and took an estimated 3,000 hours of welding, painting, and assembly. Choisnet used a toy model for rough scale and worked entirely outdoors due to the sheer size of the project.

Now standing proudly outside Nelly’s Grill & Dairy Bar in Pugwash, Trexy has become a roadside icon — attracting families, curious onlookers, and plenty of photos. While many children are delighted by the towering figure, some prefer to admire it from a safe distance.

But Trexy isn’t stationary for long. Choisnet rotates her between local small businesses in the area, offering free promotion while adding a playful spark to storefronts. She’s also appeared in parades and community events, where kids and adults alike react with amazement.

Beyond the novelty, the sculpture reflects a creative and sustainable approach to repurposing waste — turning what was once headed to the junkyard into a community landmark.