Residents in an affordable multi-family housing complex in Port Coquitlam are concerned about their safety after probation officers told them two of their neighbours face sex-related charges.
Last month, two probation officers knocked on doors in Meridian Village — a Metro Vancouver Housing Corp. complex on Coast Meridian Rd., with more than 560 renters — to alert tenants about a father and son living in the area who are alleged to have committed offences.
The details of the criminal proceedings can't be disclosed under a publication ban; the BC Prosecution Service, which falls under the ministry of Attorney General, also declined comment.
A resident and mother of two young boys, who declined to be named for fear of reprisal, told The Tri-City News on Wednesday the probation officers told her and her neighbours the men are "not to have intentional interactions and conversations" with kids under the age of 16. As well, they are to stay away from daycares, schools, playgrounds, parks and recreation centres.
The mother said this poses a problem as Meridian Village is known for its family-friendly environment, has a childcare centre and is located close to Birchland elementary; also, it is within walking distance of Minnekhada middle, Terry Fox secondary and the Hyde Creek rec centre.
She said she has seen the two men watch kids play outside at the area daycare and playground.
"Our complex community is outraged and we fear for the safety of our children," the mother wrote in an email to The Tri-City News. "For the time being, our children are not allowed to play outside as these individuals sit on their front door step, watching our children play."
Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Mike McLaughlin said police are aware of the notification made by the probation officers and referred media questions to corrections branch of the ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, which is headed by Port Coquitlam NDP MLA Mike Farnworth.
Due to privacy concerns, the ministry wasn't able to name the men nor specify their charges.
However, an official outlined the policy pertaining to individuals under court-ordered supervision.
"BC Corrections may issue a notice to an individual, neighbours, group or the general public to ensure people have the information they need to protect themselves and their families," he said, adding, "Door-to-door notifications to neighbours — known as Consistent Purpose Notifications — are conducted when staff do not have the authority to approve where a client resides but have made a determination that an individual is living in a location where neighbours and/or nearby schools should be notified about the court-ordered condition pertaining to an individual."
"Most commonly these types of notifications are issued to neighbours of clients who are being supervised under a court order regarding a sexual offence," the ministry official noted.
He said probation staff are only permitted to show the individual's photo and state his or her court-ordered conditions. "Privacy legislation does not permit further disclosure beyond what is shared with residents during the course of issuing the Consistent Purpose Notifications."
City spokesperson Pardeep Purewal said the municipality was also informed of the notification by the probation officers. "While we are not aware of the specifics of the case, the safety of the residents is always our top concern," she stated, forwarding further questions to the ministry.
Purewal also noted in her email: "Residents who witness criminal or suspicious activity are encouraged to call 911 in case of an emergency or the non-emergency line at 604-945-1550."
Metro Vancouver spokesperson Don Bradley said the regional agency recently learned of the criminal charges against the two residents and it has been in contact with police, city authorities and the probation office. "We share the concerns of the tenants who brought the matter to our attention and, in response, we are investigating to better understand the circumstances."
Bradley added, "The safety and well-being of all of our residents is our primary concern."
Built in 1976, Meridian Village is a 15.5-acre site with 202 units and about 568 residents. It consists of 130 townhomes and 72 apartments, which are market and subsidized rentals. It's also home to the Port Coquitlam Children's Centre, a non-profit society for children under 12.
