Nostalgia Brought Back to B.C. Rest Areas

A relic from the 1950s appeared again across the province over the long weekend as a way to encourage people to “Keep Beautiful British Columbia, Clean and Beautiful.”

One of the 10 gobblers to appear at rest areas around the province (Photo Credit: Transportation BC)

The garbage gobblers were a cool piece of transportation history, but were replaced with bear proof cans, which were not as artsy but much more practical. The gobblers were a mainstay at BC tourists’ sites and roadside stops until the early 1980s, and they were so popular even a Facebook page was dedicated to their memory.

One of the 10 gobblers to appear at rest areas around the province (Photo Credit: Transportation BC)

Well, Transportation BC has brought the playful gobblers back and they are better than ever. Re-imagined and re-introduced at a handful of locations across the province, the gobblers can already be spotted at rest spots. A total of 10 bear proof bins have been wrapped in the updated gobbler design.

One of the older garbage gobblers (Photo Credit: Facebook)

“In the end we decided to go with a modern look and to incorporate today’s environmental needs, such as keeping wildlife out of the bins and providing travellers with recycling options,” said the Ministry of Transportation. “By bringing the Garbage Gobbler back to our rest areas, we hope you will remember that rest areas are more than a place to stop and recharge while travelling, they are also a great place to plan your adventures, enjoy beautiful British Columbia and have a bit of fun with your friends and family as you feed the gobbler.”