Moira House is set to be built at 600 Kingston Avenue, near Halston Bridge.

(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

The mayor of Kamloops and the attorney general of B.C. say violence to protest a homeless shelter is counterproductive and unacceptable.

David Eby, Attorney General of B.C. and Mayor Ken Christian issued the joint statement today, Dec. 3, in reaction to the alleged assault against Nate Moats, who was removing signs that protested an upcoming shelter.

Moira House at 600 Kingston Ave. is a new temporary housing facility, and although ground is yet to be broken at the site, it has already been controversial among nearby residents.

“The City of Kamloops and the Province, through B.C. Housing, would like to express our sympathies and support to the victim," the joint statement reads. "We were shocked and appalled to hear of this behaviour in Kamloops and want to make it clear that we will not tolerate violence of any kind."

READ MORE: Kamloops man assaulted for removing anti-homeless sign

Moats's family told iNFOnews.ca that the 21-year-old was riding his bike near the shelter location on Nov. 29, where he noticed what police described as anti-homelessness signs on the fencing around 600 Kingston Avenue.

He approached the City-owned property and removed the signs in protest, but a passerby, seemingly against the new homeless shelter, cornered Moats and punched him in the face.

He and his family live in the Westmount area and are in support of the upcoming shelter, hoping it will add stability for the people who are living without permanent shelter in Kamloops.

Christian and Eby are encouraging residents with concerns to use the online Let's Talk page or join the virtual information session on Dec. 8 where they can ask more questions.

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“While people may have differences of opinion on how best to support community members experiencing homelessness, violence is not a solution. It is counterproductive and unacceptable," the joint statement reads.

Kamloops RCMP are investigating and looking for a suspect.

More information from B.C. Housing on Moira House and the virtual information session can be found here.

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