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

The mayor of Missionsays hemay 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 violatezoning 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 dayfor every day you are out of compliance."

Hawesbelieves 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'sin talks with lawyers about the zoningconcerns.

Conway under 'highest degree of supervision'

B.C. Corrections toldHawesat the meeting that Conway'shomeis 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.Correctionsand police to ensure public safetyand 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 criminalhistory which includes sexualinterference,sexual assault, arsondamaging property, failure tocomply with disposition andbreach of recognizance.

Conway was moved to a new residence in Missionat the end of July,after community membersin Abbotsfordregularly protested outside his previous residence.

Last yearAbbotsfordsued 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 sixfootfour, 250-pound sexual predator.Are the people who are giving him care capable of controlling him,anddo they have the training to provide himcare?" Hawesquestioned.