Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 28/01) - Despite support from Mayor Gord Van Tighem, Coun. Robert Hawkins' motion to open up all Niven Lake lots to development was met with silence by other councillors at Monday night's city council meeting.

When the motion came up near the end of the agenda no councillors supported the move, claiming administration was already working on a plan to deal with the fledgling subdivision.

"We've been reviewing a whole bunch of aspects of Niven Lake," said administrator Max Hall.

Hawkins withdrew the motion.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he expected more of a response from councillors.

He said he's been busy dealing with developers wanting to get housing moving.

The city has taken a piece-meal approach to opening Niven Lake.

Some councillors said it was too hasty a move.

Coun. Blake Lyons said the city does have lots open for development.

There is a swath of lots open near Kam Lake, he said.

Coun. Ben McDonald said council is on track.

"As long as we put land on the market we've done our job," said McDonald.