John Curran
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 28, 2008

WRIGLEY - After the community-owned Co-op closed the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation took over operation of the fuel bar and Elsie Hardisty became the only gas station attendant between Fort Simpson and Tulita.

Wrigley's gas attendant, Elsie Hardisty, is often the first person visitors will meet at the end of the all-weather road heading north. - John Curran/NNSL photo

The 465 kilometre drive - which includes the Northern-most reaches of all-weather Highway 1 and the southern leg of the Mackenzie Valley winter road - brings many people to the community this time of year in search of fuel at about the halfway point.

"I've been doing it since about September," said Hardisty. "My husband helps out if I'm not available."

The station is technically open roughly three hours a day, but she can be called out anytime someone needs to get gas or diesel - just knock on the door two houses down.

"There is a $25 call-out fee if it's outside our regular hours," she said. "And we only take cash."

The job has many advantages, she said, pointing to the fact she's likely the only gas attendant who is able to work from home.

"It's really good exercise," she added after trudging through the snow to the pumps to serve another anxious customer.

The job also has a social side that she said is great.

"I think it's good getting to talk to all of the people from here in town every time they need fuel," she said. "I also get to meet a lot of the people driving the winter road and all of the tourists who come to visit during the summer."

Hardisty has lived in Wrigley all her life and said for her it's the perfect place to call home.

In addition to the spectacular scenery, all of her favourite activities are close at hand.

"Life is good here," she said. "I like going hunting, camping and berry picking."

Given the choice, however, she'd rather grab her fishing rod and head for the water.

"Fishing is my favourite thing to do when I'm not working," she said.

"The grayling and the pickerel are really good around Wrigley and they're very fun to catch."