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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.