B.C. Attorney General pens letter to Kamloops assault victim

The Attorney General of B.C. penned a letter of support to the victim of an alleged assault at the site of a new shelter in Kamloops.

Nate Moats was allegedly assaulted on Nov. 29 at the location of a new shelter B.C. Housing is building near the Halston Bridge in the city.

"I am very sorry to hear that someone may have assaulted you for your convictions that people have the right to basic shelter," Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing David Eby wrote in a letter to Moats dated Dec. 1.

Moats's mother told iNFOnews.ca her son was biking home and passed the 600 Kingston Avenue property where he saw posters printed on standard (8×11.5") paper.

The posters, attached to fencing surrounding the new shelter property, called on citizens to "fight" the new shelter and the organizations behind it.

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Moats, who disagreed and believes shelters and supportive housing should be projects that are supported in Kamloops, started taking the signs down. Seemingly in retaliation, an unknown man cornered him and punched Moats in the nose, his mother Darlene Doricic told iNFOnews.ca.

While there has been a vocal backlash against Moira House, the 600 Kingston Avenue temporary housing facility, Eby wrote to Moats following the alleged assault to thank him for supporting the project.

Eby also issued a joint statement with Kamloops mayor Ken Christian following the assault, saying the use of violence is counterproductive and unacceptable.

"Our government is working hard to ensure we provide long-term supportive housing for those who are homeless, but that takes time," Eby wrote in the letter to Moats. "In the meantime, a place for people to come inside out of the rain and cold is essential to help keep them safe.

"I wish you the best of luck with your recovery, and with your apparently very successful dog business with your brother. Thank you for your courage."

The location for Moira House was chosen out of a range of possible options identified by Kamloops city council.

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Council had directed staff to bring the possible locations to B.C. Housing to explore possible shelter locations, according to a report from a previous closed council meeting.

The Kamloops Yacht Club and the Ministry of Transportation Columbia Precinct properties were two options proposed by council that ultimately were not chosen for shelter locations.

The Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association will operate Moira House and the association's executive director Alfred Achoba said it will be staffed 24/7.

He told iNFOnews.ca there will be staff around the property which he likened to a neighbourhood watch. He said those employees will operate as security, but they will have mental health training to help with clients in the area.

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