Sex-offender James Conway's housing violates zoning bylaws, claims Mission's mayor

The mayor of Mission says he may sue the owners of a property where a child sex-offender is living.

Randy Hawes told B.C. Corrections at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon that the home of three-time sex offender James Conway could violate zoning bylaws.

"The courts in the end will have to determine if the zoning is proper, [or] if the zoning is not proper, which we contend," said Hawes.

"Our bylaws call for fines of up to $1,000 a day for every day you are out of compliance." 

Hawes believes Conway's new house, which he moved into last month, is on land that doesn't permit a business or assisted-living type of residence. He says he's in talks with lawyers about the zoning concerns.

Conway under 'highest degree of supervision'

B.C. Corrections told Hawes at the meeting that Conway's home is just a regular residence.

"I would characterize the meeting as respectful and informative. It provided us with an opportunity to hear the concerns of a number of community members, and to clarify how BC Corrections is fulfilling its role, by taking comprehensive steps to ensure Mr. Conway is complying with his court-ordered conditions," B.C. Corrections spokesperson Amy Lapsley told CBC News in statement.

She called the meeting an "opportunity to ensure concerned citizens in Mission are aware that Mr. Conway is under the highest degree of supervision, and that B.C. Corrections and police are working closely together."

"To be clear, the courts have determined that, subject to 25 conditions, Mr. Conway can reside in the community — and B.C. Corrections does not have the legal authority to relocate him."

Community Living B.C. has hired service provider WJS Canada to care for the 40-year-old, who has mental disabilities. They, in turn, hired a contractor who rented the house.

CLBC says it "takes seriously community concerns and is committed to supporting B.C. Corrections and police to ensure public safety and keeping the city informed of its role in the matter."

From Abbotsford to Mission

James Conway's move to Mission from Abbotsford was met with hostility from residents who protested at city hall.

According to B.C. Corrections, Conway has a criminal history which includes sexual interference, sexual assault, arson damaging property, failure to comply with disposition and breach of recognizance.

Conway was moved to a new residence in Mission at the end of July, after community members in Abbotsford regularly protested outside his previous residence.

Last year Abbotsford sued the halfway house where Conway was living, alleging the residence was not being properly used for its zoning.

Hawes is concerned the three-time child sex offender is putting the safety of the community in Mission at risk.

"This is a six foot four, 250-pound sexual predator. Are the people who are giving him care capable of controlling him, and do they have the training to provide him care?" Hawes questioned.