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
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.