Protesting Conway in Bradner

Photo by CTV News Vancouver

By Don Gibbs

Bradner BC - Thanks are extended to Brian Kingman, Heather Lemieux and Kim Iverson, for spreading the word about our neighbourhood protest yesterday, our protest against serial sex-offender James Conway.

There was an excellent turnout, with many Bradner folks other than just immediate neighbours attending. The Mayor, Henry Braun even came and showed his support for the neighbours.

Update - Bradner Rally to protest serial sex-offender, James Conway
More than 100 Abbotsford residents took to the streets of Bradner on Sunday August 23rd, 2015, protesting against a convicted child molester now living in the rural community.

Community members marched with signs that read read 'Go Away Conway', 'Keep Our Children Safe', and 'Predators Not Welcome' along Joanita Place, in North Bradner.

A neighbour to where Conway is now residing and mother of three, Kim Iverson voiced her concerns - “It’s uncomfortable. When we can see him sitting on the patio and he can look into our front yard, you don’t feel safe anymore! Placing these people that are sick in neighbourhoods with children and families…is not helping. The community is on guard now.” 

Sarah Bertrand added that “We don't feel this is the appropriate place for what is in essence a halfway house. This is not a good place to have those types of people hanging around.”

Abbotsford police issued a public notification on August 1st, 2015, alerting residents that the 40-year-old offender Conway had moved into the area.

Conway has an extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions for sexual assault, sexual interference, arson, mischief, failure to comply with court order and breach of recognizance.

Abbotsford police say keeping an eye on him is a top priority, and are concerned that some people have thrown eggs and rocks at Conway’s house. 

Conway has a 24/7 electronic monitor, a live-in caregiver, and is not allowed out of the house unless it’s for a prescribed purpose and so far none of his 22 restrictions have been broken since he moved to Abbotsford.

Residents of Bradner are still frustrated that Conway is living in their area - especially since he’s breached his conditions before.

Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun says he has no choice in what community Conway chooses to live in, but that there may be another way to force him out. Braun said “I have asked our staff to look at our zoning bylaws because there are two people in the house plus a caretaker... That sounds very similar to the definition of a recovery house and if that's the case, it's not zoned for that use.” Braun also added that “I believe everybody gets a second chance, but when you blow your second and third chance, there's a part of me that asks, so why is he out... period”?!

For more information and updates please visit the Protect Our Children Facebook Page.