The Nelson Business Association is preparing a proposal for city council following a meeting last week with city staff.
The association has been meeting over the past few months in an attempt to find possible solutions to three problems: sandwich boards, the dog bylaw and the Baker Street amenity areas.
“I think the outcomes were pretty positive,” said owner of Cottons Clothing Noreen Lynas. “I think people were kind of feeling like things were being listened to and hopefully things will progress from that.”
Lynas said a survey conducted by the association asked businesses about the three problems, but specifically the dog bylaw.
“The most positive response was that most surveyed wanted to see the dog bylaw at least given a trial run to allow dogs downtown on Baker Street,” she said.
After the meeting, city staff asked that the business association draft a proposal which will be presented to city council.
“Where we’re at now is we’ve done the survey and the city is wanting a proposal from the businesses primarily on the dog bylaw, but also looking for suggestions on how to deal with that and make it a bit more user friendly for everyone,” said Lynas.
The city is continuing to ask for the input of local businesses around the amenity areas and sandwich boards.
“Sandwich boards and amenity areas are something they’d like our input on, but ultimately the city is going to make the decision on what they’re going to do with those particular areas,” said Lynas. “With the sandwich boards they’ve asked if anyone is interested in sitting on a committee with them regarding signage, they would be very pleased to have input on those things.”
The business association is hoping to see the dog bylaw changed by the summer.