Submitted –
News Release
City of Abbotsford Issues Notice of Zoning Bylaw Infraction to Conway Residence
ABBOTSFORD September 13, 2015 – The City of Abbotsford has provided notice under its Zoning Bylaw to the tenant of 27743 Joanita Place in Abbotsford requesting alternate placement of the individuals currently being accommodated on the premises, announced Mayor Henry Braun today.
The Mayor will be making this information public at a community rally scheduled for 11am today at Joanita Place.
“The property where Mr. Conway and another person are residing is being used outside of its permitted zoning use,” said Mayor Braun. “We have been in contact with the property operator, as well as Correctional Services of Canada and BC Corrections regarding this matter, and we are actively working toward a resolution.”
The City of Abbotsford’s current zoning for the property permits only agricultural and residential uses, and home occupation in keeping with a residential use.
“We hope to have a resolution that addresses the needs of the community soon, but I have to stress that this is a sensitive matter and there are many stakeholders involved in this process,” said Mayor Braun. “The exact timing of any actions has not yet been established and we are still in the early days of this legal process.”
The City of Abbotsford reviewed the zoning for the property in response to complaints received from the community last month regarding the use of the property as a halfway-house.
“Our primary concern is public safety and it is the first consideration in any actions that may be undertaken,” said Mayor Braun. “The City reviews all bylaw infraction complaints that we receive, regardless of how they are initiated, and reviews our options for ensuring compliance based on the nature of the infraction.”
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Contact:
Katherine Treloar
ktreloar@abbotsford.ca
604-751-3115