SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A ballot draw for extended stay campsites at Prelude and Reid Lake territorial campgrounds drew more than 60 people on Sunday but still fell short of previous draws when dozens would walk away empty-handed.

Claudia Kelly, regional parks development co-ordinator, marks off extended campground sites on Prelude Lake for the ballot draw held on Sunday at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

The draw, held at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, doubled last year's attendance of 30, when many campers boycotted after four-month stays were cut to two months during the early and late portions of the camping season while fees remained at $500. Despite an increase in attendance over last year, the turnout was still low compared to years before the changes, when up to 80 or 90 people would attend.

Officials from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment said the changes were needed to increase the availability of extended stay campsites, and the prices being charged for them were too low.

As of this week, all 40 of the available half-season permits were taken for Prelude Lake and 24 half-season permits were left at Reid Lake. All 10 $1,000 full-season sites at Reid Lake - introduced this year after campers complained about their elimination last year - were snapped up.

Because not all the permits were taken, a second draw took place in which campers had the option to occupy their previously chosen site for the rest of the season at an additional fee of $500. There was some confusion among the crowd over the process used for the second draw.

"It is kind of confusing but if you think through all the ramifications it makes sense the way it's set up," said Kevin Todd, North Slave regional superintendent for Industry, Tourism, and Investment. "There's always refinements that you can make."

First-time ballot draw attendee Tanya Kearney's name was drawn after her desired spots were already chosen. Rather than settling for another site, she decided to forfeit her ballot.

"How do you manage to increase the price without increasing the service?" Kearney asked. "I think it would be nice if they could make it affordable for everyone to go camping."

Camper Baxter Pond said he was not concerned about the changes.

"If it's $1,000, it's still worth it," said Pond, who has been camping at Prelude Lake since 1980 and participating in the lot draw since 1992.

Camper Brain Legge agreed. Despite the changes made, he said the fees are still worth it.

"Last year they had more sites than there were people, this year it's the other way around," said Legge. "It takes time for adjustment."