Inuvik (Oct 06/06) - Is it really last call for the Finto lounge? It depends on who you ask.

While staff prepared one last night of drinks and food at the popular bar Sept. 28, some thought there might be a chance of a comeback.

"There's been conflicting rumours that it might open up in the spring, but we don't know," said Mike Millen, a self-described jack-of-all-trades who keeps the place running smoothly.

While business has been slow recently, Millen said the Mackenzie Valley pipeline might bring more people to town and cause a revival.

Of course, he said nothing's certain - it's just a game of dice.

For now, anyway, the Finto has wrapped up its glasses, auctioned off its familiar decorations and sold the remaining booze to other bars. You might be drinking Finto scotch at the Mackenzie, for instance. But don't expect to pay three dollars.

For staff and regular diners like helicopter pilot Troy Gibson, there's no doubt the place closing is kind of disheartening.

Millen said people will miss the sit-down atmosphere, leather couches and live animals, like "Bob" the lizard and caged birds.

Gibson said he'll also miss the 12-ounce steak.

While customers will surely move elsewhere, Millen said Inuvik will lose a small piece of its local character.

"It feels like a bartender saying "Party's over, everybody out" on a Saturday night."