Yellowknife (July 04/03) - A record number of lots in Niven Lake have been snatched up through a ballot draw.

The draw sold 28 out of the 37 available residential lots in phase 4 of the Niven Lake development.

Prices ranged from $60,000 to $79,300.

The remaining nine lots will be sold on a first- come, first-served basis.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem is excited by the pace of sales and said it demonstrates the "need to meet our housing shortage in the city."

Marie Coe of Coldwell Banker represented several clients interested in the Niven Lake lots and expects the nine remaining properties will sell quickly.

"A lot of people are looking for land and this is a real choice area close to downtown," said Coe.

Coe expected the quick sale because of the high demand from people trying to find housing in Yellowknife.

"I think this development will definitely help with the shortage," she said.