North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico under police investigation, OPP confirms

Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed the police service is currently investigating North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico.

OPP spokesperson Const. Rob Lewis said because Chirico sits on the North Bay Police Service board, the city's police service handed off the investigation to the OPP.

However, Lewis said he could not provide more details about the case including why Chirico is under investigation.

Spending under scrutiny

In July, Chirico was under scrutiny when it came to light that he had spent $16,000 on personal items using a corporate credit card with the city.

Chirico said he was embarrassed by the charges, and that it was an honest mistake. He also repaid the amount charged, and called for the city's integrity commissioner to do an independent study on the issue.

City council voted down a motion to have an audit into Chirico's expenses with the corporate credit card.

Coun. Jamie Lowery was one of three council members who voted in favour of an audit.

"We really do need a fulsome review of what happened," he said during the council meeting last month.

"So essentially, a fulsome look into what has gone on, what has transpired, have an independent look on it to ensure that there are no other issues related to these types of issues with purchasing cards within the organization."

The OPP could not confirm whether or not the police investigation was related to Chirico's use of the credit card or another matter.

"While the City of North Bay has not been contacted by the Ontario Provincial Police regarding this matter, we will provide any information and assistance that may be requested," city of North Bay spokesperson Gord Young said in an email to CBC News.