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A City of Nanaimo employee says he was attacked with syringes in the bathroom of a waterfront park Tuesday morning.

The 58-year-old worker told police the two attackers fled after attacking him at around 10am in Maffeo Sutton Park.

Kevan Shaw, vice-president of the Nanaimo Area Public Safety Committee, a community group, said he spoke to a family member who said the worker was shaken.

He said other city workers have said they have been harassed by members of the street population for being with police and housekeeping staff when areas are being cleared. The workers were yelled at and had objects thrown at them, Shaw said. “They are being attacked more now.”

Shaw said he was “sickened” by what happened. “We’re seeing it happen not just in Nanaimo, but in Victoria, in Vancouver, across the province,” he said. “This must be stopped.”

The victim suffered injuries to his face and abdomen and was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for evaluation, the city said in a statement.

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog called the incident “deeply disturbing and disturbing.” He said it’s another example of the street disorder he and other mayors have complained about for years.

The attack will be investigated by city officials, Krog said, and changes will be made if necessary.

Incidents of street disorders are a reflection of a street population dealing with mental health issues, addictions, trauma and brain injuries, and in need of everything from safe and involuntary care to supportive housing and detox, the mayor said.

Nanaimo Chief Administrative Officer Dale Lindsay said he was disturbed when he heard about the incident at Maffeo Sutton Park. “Unfortunately, mental health and addiction in the community create dangers that our employees must be aware of and think about every day as they provide services to the community.”

The attack occurred while city staff and council members were conducting budget deliberations for the coming year. Concerns have been raised about the need for further public safety spending through RCMP officers and teams of community safety officers, Lindsay said.

Nanaimo RCMP released a description of the two suspects in Tuesday’s attack and warned residents not to approach them, telling them to call the RCMP instead.

One suspect is described as white and 6 feet tall with a red beard, wearing a red jacket and jeans and a large medallion around his neck, while the other is described as white with dark hair and dark clothing.

“Our priority is to find the suspects,” said Const. Sherri Wade.

You can contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

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