James Conway's Abbotsford halfway house taken to court by city

The City of Abbotsford, B.C., is suing the halfway house that repeated sex offender James Conway is living in, alleging the residence is being used "outside its permitted zoning use."

"Our primary concern is public safety and it is the first consideration in any actions that may be undertaken," saidAbbotsfordMayor Henry Braun in a written statement.

The mayor said the city has been in touch with the property operator and correctional services and is "actively working toward a solution."

Conway, 40, has been convicted three times for sexual offences perpetrated against children. He also has other convictions for arson andmischief.

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He had previously been living in Surrey, but moved to Abbotsford after violating the terms of his release by sitting next to a teenage girl on a bus.

Conway's move to Abbotsford was met with hostility from hundreds of residents who rallied against his release in the community.

The halfway house where he's living was damaged by vandals in September, causing part of the ceiling to collapse.

Court documents filed by the city say the halfway house is only zoned to operate for agricultural or residential uses.

According to the documents, the city had demanded the halfway house be shut down, but the operators refused to do so.