Yellowknife (Oct 06/04) - That car's for hire, and the new owners say it won't bankrupt you to take it out on the town.

Dave Paul, John Nahanni and Joe Sutton bought Arctic Executive Limousines from Lars Pace and have a plan in place for making the limousine service affordable.

"We're already getting calls to do Christmas parties," said Paul.

The proposition of riding in a limousine is not overly expensive, said Paul.

"I think a lot of people get the idea it's an expensive proposition and get a little scared to book, but you can ride this limo for as little as five dollars a person," he said.

With no other competitors in town, the trio hopes to fill a niche in the Yellowknife market.

Force One owner Doug Witty has a limousine, but you can't call him to do a wedding, said Paul.

Paul didn't say how much the three partners had invested in the limousine, but said the insurance is double the normal fare for any passenger vehicle. Also, Class 4 drivers' licences needed to be acquired.

The group talked to people they already knew to find out how viable such an undertaking would be, said Paul.

"A lot of people are saying it's about time. It's very popular for anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations and VIP pick ups at airports," said Paul.

The limo is a Lincoln, 30-foot stretch that seats eight.

"(It has) all the amenities in the back. There are glasses and ice buckets and decanters. We can put anything people want in the back. It has all-leather seats, a music system and mood lighting. It's simply a classy luxurious service," said Paul.

The limo also has a TV and VCR in the back.

"For a group of friends going out for the evening who just want to drive around or bar hop, that works out to less than $20 a person if there's eight people taking advantage of the limo," said Paul.

"On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays we have a two-for-one. You rent for one hour and get an extra hour free," said Paul.

With Thursday nights, the group plans a ladies night special.

"On ladies night they can go around and celebrate a birthday or bar hop and they'll get the corporate rate," he said.