Winnipegger's Orbit trashcan a reminder of Manitoba history
The large fibreglass sphere that sits in a Winnipeg front yard isn't a piece of lawn art but a space-age remnant of decades past.
The Manitoba government launched the Orbit program in 1965, which saw unique trashcans placed along the province's highways in an effort to reduce the amount of litter.
Broose Tulloch is the proud owner of an Orbit, which he displays in front of his house.
"I remember them as a kid in the 70s, everything was about space and with the Orbit, there is something so spacey about them and the attraction never left," said Tulloch.
Tulloch acquired the special trashcan from a friend in 2020.
"About 15 years ago, a local filmmaker, James Rewucki, he generally does horror films but has an acute interest in history, did a really spacey video on YouTube called Where Have all the Orbits Gone," recalled Tulloch. "I just happen to know him because he's a musician and I said, 'I'll be the guardian of this.'"
The Orbit holds a special place in Tulloch's heart.
"I absolutely love it on so many levels," he said.
"It's sort of a reminder of the romantic space race and it's become a real talking piece. You see people go by and say, 'what is that?' and you get to meet your neighbours that way and strangers.
Tulloch said he's seen many people discuss the Orbit and take photos of it, including a city road crew.
"There are work crews that come by that do the streets and what not, and the foreman goes, 'I'm just here explaining to the kids what this is."
The vintage Orbit is showing its age with a few minor cracks and chips but is still easily identifiable for nostalgic bystanders.
"At the time, we thought it was the last one, but it's come to light that there's at least three, maybe five more out of 85 that were decommissioned in the province," Tulloch said.
According to Tulloch, some surviving Orbits were turned into yard art several years ago. Tulloch's Orbit, however, will stay in its original form.
Tulloch's Orbit emits an eerie glow at night thanks to a set of red LED lights placed inside. (Source: Broose Tulloch)
Tulloch says he plans to paint the base, make a better surrounding and add a plaque to ensure the unique piece of Manitoba history can be enjoyed for years to come.
"People really need to be more interested in and more proud in what we have in our backyard," he said. "Your own story is important and everyone wants to hear your perspective."
-With files from CTV's Zach Kitchen
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
An interprovincial investigation into an 'emergency grandparents scam' that targeted seniors across Canada has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, Ontario Provincial Police say.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
'Wild, wild west.' Families say organs of deceased Alabama inmates have been removed without their consent
The state Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama at Birmingham face disturbing allegations from the families of five inmates whose organs were removed and reportedly kept without consent, according to a series of lawsuits.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Juror dismissed from Trump hush money trial as prosecutors seek to hold former president in contempt
A juror in Donald Trump's hush money trial was dismissed Thursday after expressing doubt about her ability to be fair and impartial, and the status of a second New Yorker picked for the panel was in limbo amid concerns that some of his answers in court may not have been accurate.