Abbotsford halfway house may be in contravention of city bylaws

(NEWS 1130) The mayor of Abbotsford is trying to use zoning laws to remove a convicted child sex offender from a neighbourhood.

Mayor Henry Braun says the halfway house on Joanita Place could be considered commercial use of the property and as such doesn’t comply with the bylaws, especially because it’s situated in a semi-rural area and not near police if a problem arises.

He says the city has sought legal advice and also notified Corrections Canada.

He made the announcement during yet another rally against the convicted man, James Conway.

Conway, 40, has a lengthy criminal record including multiple convictions for sexual assault. He has been convicted three times for sexual offences against children.

He isn’t allowed to leave the house unless escorted and for a specific purpose. He’s also barred from interacting from anyone under 18 years old.

Abbotsford Police issued a warning about him this summer.

Rally organizer Kim Iverson welcomes the mayor’s move. “I think we’re headed in the right direction. I hope he packs his bags and leaves,” she says. “Before the mayor made the announcement, there was a lot of anger. People were upset and scared.”

She says their concern is over their children.

“We want everyone to know where Conway lives and what he has done. He’s not welcome in our community. I think the city knows they have pretty angry neighbours. People aren’t going to stop until he’s gone.”