A lawsuit has been launched to shutter the Abbotsford halfway house that convicted pedophile James Conway calls home.
The residence, located on Juanita Place, has been a frequent target for vandals since Conway moved in over the summer, and the City of Abbotsford is now fighting for its closure in court.
According to the city, the halfway house is operating in violation of a zoning bylaw, and should be shut down immediately.
In a B.C. Supreme Court filing, the city claims it has already “demanded that the [operators] cease” using the property as a halfway house, but they refused.
A city spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit for CTV News while the matter is before the courts.
Conway, who is a three-time sex offender, moved into Abbotsford in August, sparking a torrent of anger and frustration in the community.
His halfway house has been vandalized more than a dozen times since his arrival, including one incident where someone ran a garden hose into a vent, flooding the home and causing a ceiling to cave in.
In other cases, concrete was poured on the house, rocks were thrown, and padlocks were placed on doors.
The home is rented by WJS Canada, an agency contracted out by the provincial government. One of the property owners, Brian Vos, has tried to assure the community there are safety measures in place, but with little luck.
“I’m worried there could be loss of life,” Vos told CTV News in September.
Police also believe there are adequate protections at the home, including alarms, cameras and 24-hour supervision. Officers have complained about residents’ vigilantism using up valuable police resources.
Conway is also monitored by an electronic bracelet.
According to police, there are almost 300 registered sex offenders living in Abbotsford.
