DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
Most people in the territory wouldn't benefit from another dramatic fire season, but Gina Brown-Mikula is one of the few who would.

Gina Brown-Mikula and her husband Johnny stand next to one of their Captain Cabin's signs in Fort Providence. The two started up their pirate-themed lodging establishment after their jobs on the local ferry ended due to the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge. - photo courtesy of Gina Brown-Mikula

Brown-Mikula and her husband Johnny run Captain's Cabins and Bridge-less Lodging in Fort Providence, an atypical hotel and lodging destination they started after the two lost their longtime jobs working on the Merv Hardie ferry due to the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge. Whenever traffic is delayed because of smoke from summer fires, customers often stay at her three cabins and renovated house.

"We offered a 50 per cent off discount," she told News/North. "We just got so busy."

At one point, business was so brisk during the wildfire season that Brown-Mikula had to change 13 beds in one day. "We let people stay in the trailer," she said.

When it comes to expenses, Johnny supplements their income with a seasonal bridge maintenance job for two months of the year. Brown-Mikula also has a small pension and a paid-off mortgage. She's proud they didn't require any outside financial assistance from a bank or other kind of loan. And often any time a large group stays with them, the money is reinvested into the property.

Even with the challenges of inconsistent income, the small business has become a dream for the couple to keep earning a living.

"We bought the property in the winter, came back and the bridge deal went through," Brown-Mikula said.

The couple haven't had to spend a lot on advertising, with most of their business coming through word-of-mouth and referrals from repeat customers. Brown-Mikula is also known for painting colourful, pirate-themed signs in the winter to attract additional attention.

"The signs have become a local attraction," she said with a laugh.

Customers have come from Yellowknife and even as far away as Germany, Austria and Paris.

The property's location on the Mackenzie River also means guests often see wildlife such as pelicans, eagles, lynx, fox, bears and moose.

When it comes to lessons, Brown-Mikula said she has learned how to make guests comfortable, as well as the importance of purchasing extra bedsheets and more towels. Understanding what you can handle, as well as being prepared for the inconsistent income is also key.

"You can't count on a regular paycheck or being full everyday," she pointed out.

Since Captain's Cabins requires water to be hauled in, Brown-Mikula said any potential for her cabins to expand in the future would be too much work to manage.

"One bill was $450, half of our income!" she exclaimed. "That's when we switched to river water for the showers."

There are also a lot of expenses that need be paid year-round even though the cabins are only operational for seven months.

Still, Brown-Mikula said she has a fun job that allows her to be sociable and keeps her from missing her grandkids. With the property's barbeque and fire pits, she said it's very beautiful. And owning a lodging establishment is definitely a totally different experience from her previous careers.

"I was a letter carrier in Vancouver for 17 years," Brown-Mikula said. "And before that I worked in a dress shop."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.