As expected Nelson council has voted overwhelmingly in favor of ending the two-decade dog ban in the downtown.
A strictly enforced leashed zone will be created for Baker and Vernon Streets.
Councilor Anna Purcell admits it’s been a polarizing issue in the community and those who don’t want dogs around them should be respected.
The city heard from businesses, the community and by-law enforcement that the time was right to allow leashed dogs.
Once formally adopted next month the new rules will include hefty fines for owners leaving dogs tied up or not cleaning up their waste.