Yukon waterfront lots offered in land lottery
13 remote waterfront lots were up for grabs, on Kluane, Bennett and Tagish Lakes
Call them the lucky 13 — Yukoners whose names were drawn today in a land lottery, for some coveted and remote waterfront properties.
The Yukon government is selling 11 one-acre recreational lots on Dutch Harbour in Kluane Lake, one lot on Bennett Lake and another on Tagish Lake. All are accessible only by boat, and range in price from $42,500 to $55,000.
76 people entered the lottery, which was held on Thursday in Whitehorse.
"We are excited to see the interest and pleased to offer a product Yukoners are interested in," said Johanna Smith of the Yukon government.
The lots are the result of economic development deals the government signed with the Kluane First Nation and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation.
The Tagish and Bennett Lake lots are leftover from a similar lottery held in 2014.
Water level dropping on Kluane Lake
One consideration for prospective Kluane Lake landowners is the water level on the lake, which has dropped significantly this year and may drop further yet.
Geologists say the Kaskawulsh Glacier has receded, and its meltwater now flows south instead of into Kluane Lake via the Slims River.
Lake levels are about a metre below normal, and geologists say the impacts could be much more dramatic over the long term.
If any lots are declined or forfeited after Thursday's lottery, another draw will be held Aug. 19.
With files from Vic Istchenko