I can’t vote in Nelson because I live in Area F. I do shop in Nelson. Let me qualify that. I shop at the mall.
I can’t shop downtown when it’s sunny because I have a dog and she can’t stay in the car. I take my dog with me because we go to the Nelson dog walk so she can socialize and swim.
I don’t want to drive into town twice, once for the dog and once to shop.
My dog is well-trained. She travels with me on my author tours (as a life prop). We have not only shopped in Banff, Seattle, Castlegar, Niagara-on- the-Lake, Creston, Regina, Portland, etc., but my dog, left outside the shop door, or occasionally invited in, has often been talked to, petted and even given an occasional treat.
When my dog is with me, connections are made and smiles appear on faces.
I make a long list of items I want to buy but can’t get at the mall and I take that list with me whenever I go on a trip.
So, even though I believe in shopping locally as much as possible, I am hindered in doing so by your outdated and often ridiculed “No dogs” bylaw.
Voters of Nelson, please vote.
And vote for the people who believe in allowing everyone to come downtown so your town can once again be welcoming to everyone.
Ann Alma
Beasley