The solution to the dog by-law is simple. Allow dogs downtown on leash. Promote tourism rather than alienating visitors. People travelling with dogs cannot leave their animals in their vehicle in the heat of the summer. Nor are they accustomed to Nelson’s anti-dog attitude.
Utilize the bylaw officers already employed and enforce use of a leash, ban dogs from being tied up on Baker Street and have owners pick up after them. In my experience as a dog owner, my dog has already done his business (which I pick up) elsewhere than on concrete during a domestic walk.
Having the option to walk rather than drive is one of the reasons I live in a small town. I pay city taxes and am happy to purchase dog licenses, but would rather not be treated as a second class citizen for having a well-behaved dog on leash at my side while passing through town.