BC Housing is increasing security at the site of a future shelter at 600 Kingston Avenue in Kamloops.

In a statement, it says that includes adding lights and a having a security guard patrol the area to help ensure the safety of residents in the neighbourhood as well as and workers who will be arriving on site next week.

It comes after a Westmount resident was allegedly assaulted at the site for tearing down a poster protesting the Moira House Shelter on Monday afternoon, Nov. 29.

“The City of Kamloops and the Province, through BC Housing, would like to express our sympathies and support to the victim of a recent alleged assault,” the statement from Mayor Ken Christian and David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, said.

“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. 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.”

At council this week, Christian said he’s aware of the many concerns that have been raised by residents, adding people will be able to voice those concerns directly to BC Housing next Wednesday, Dec. 8, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Representatives from BC Housing, the City of Kamloops and CMHA will be there to answer those questions, and people are being told to pre-register here.

“There will be an extended question and answer period with a professional facilitator so those opportunities for the public are now available and I would encourage members of the public with questions about these facilities as to how they are going to be operated to avail themselves of that opportunity,” Christian said Tuesday.

Kamloops RCMP are investigating Monday’s assault.

Both Christian and Eby are urging people to call police immediately if they are threatened or if they see someone who is threatened near any BC Housing site.