PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY - With the Mackenzie Valley winter road now open of the year, the second tourist season in Wrigley, the Deh Cho's northern-most community, has begun.

Many winter road travellers will pop by Wrigley to fill up on gas, stretch their legs and maybe even grab a bite to eat.

Wilfred Lennie of Tulita was one of the recent winter road travellers to stop in for fuel in Wrigley on his way home with two new vehicles. - Brodie Thomas/NNSL photo

Tulita's Wilfred Lennie was one such visitor who came in and bought $100 worth of fuel.

"I got a new Ford F-350 Super Duty for my business, Tulita Pilot Driving, and a used passenger vehicle in Yellowknife," he said while waiting at the pumps. "It's a nice spot here."

For most visitors, the first person they'll meet in the community is Elsie Hardisty - the only gas station attendant between Fort Simpson and Tulita.

The drive is 465 kilometres and includes the Northern-most reaches of all-weather Highway 1 and the southern leg of the winter road.

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

The job has many advantages, she said, pointing to the fact she's likely the only gas attendant who can work from home. Her place is two doors down, past the fuel bar on the left.

"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 strong 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."

The Pehdzeh Ki First Nation recently took over the gas bar as well as the community's only hotel after the Co-op closed its doors.

A massive renovation project is almost complete and the hotel will reopen soon - as well as a small restaurant - which will be good news for road-weary motorists.

"People will be able to grab a quick bite and a cup of coffee," said Rock Matte, Wrigley senior administrative officer.

The move is also good news for the community as it will create three to five part-time jobs.

"It's all part of a long-term plan for the First Nation," he said. "The goal is to get involved in more and more economic development ventures that create jobs in Wrigley for residents."