They pitch low cost of living, low crime rate, recreation opportunities and proximity to Edmonton and Grand Prairie.

Fort Smith's efforts are getting results, said Fort Smith Mayor Peter Martselos.

"Close to 10 families from BHP and Diavik have moved to Fort Smith," said Martselos. "It's because of the low cost of living."

In Fort Smith, an average lot costs $16,000 and a two- or three-bedroom home sells for about $100,000. Compared to buying in Yellowknife, that's peanuts.

Not that there's much left in Fort Smith at the moment.

"All the houses for sale are sold," said Martselos.

"We've basically oversold the community," said Fort Smith's economic facilitator Richard Power.

A few lots are left. Plans for more development are in the works, said Power, although he doesn't want to divulge details until next year.

Hay River has seduced about 120 mine employees south to live in the city, said Mayor Duncan McNeil.

But Hay River is running out of land. A year ago, the city had a dozen riverfront lots. "None of them sold for less than $53,000," he said. "That's the most expensive real estate we had."

Apartment space is easier to come by because developers seem to be focusing more on town houses.

Jack Rowe of Rowe's Construction in Hay River would like to see more mine employees choosing Hay River.

But he said some of the mine's practices make it difficult for employees -- especially senior management -- to live outside of Yellowknife.

Most senior managers are on a four days on, three days off rotation. Because there are no direct flights between the mines and Hay River, employees must overnight each way in Yellowknife.