Yellowknife (July 21/04) - When a drunk driver rear-ended Lars Pace and broke his hand, the cabinet maker did what anyone would do while waiting to mend.

The self-described entrepreneur invested $62,000 in a stretch limousine to service Yellowknife's luxury market.

"It is a little boom town," Pace said, but "there's nothing for the VIPs."

Rich fishermen and diamond executives pass through Yellowknife for business and pleasure, and someone has to pick them up at the airport.

Yellowknifers like the idea of riding in style, too.

"People like to just drive around and have fun and wave," Pace said.

"Everybody wants to go down the Gold Range street," Pace said.

He likes to drive at a leisurely pace so passengers can enjoy the limousine's special features: radio, air conditioning, a TV and VCR. Pace provides glasses, but passengers must provide their own beverages because he doesn't have a liquor licence.

Pace bought the limo second hand from Boston. Aside from the initial cost, Pace said the limo is not much more expensive than an SUV to operate. Gas costs $60.

It handles corners "10 times easier" than a truck towing a boat trailer.