The ongoing Toronto Community Housing Corporation spending scandal has claimed another high-profile figure in the municipal realm.
Derek Ballantyne, who was the former chief of the TCHC, has been forced from his current post at Build Toronto.
The departure of Ballantyne, who had been chief operating officer and executive vice-president of operations for Build Toronto for the past 18 months, was announced on Friday.
A recent audit revealed that $200,000 in public funds at TCHC was misspent over a period of several years. The audit showed that staff spent public money on chocolates, perks and a Christmas party.
In a statement released to media outlets, Build Toronto said that the allegations set out in the auditor general's report "regarding Toronto Community Housing Corporation make it impossible for Mr. Ballantyne to continue to perform his duties for Build Toronto, whose sole shareholder is the City of Toronto.
"Build Toronto has to move forward with its multiple plans to assist the City of Toronto in unlocking the value in land assets in service to the City."
Build Toronto is a city agency tasked with selling and upping the value of land owned by the city.
"Build Toronto thanks Derek for his significant contribution to the start-up of Build Toronto. The Board of Directors and Staff wish him well in the pursuit of new opportunities," the statement read.
Ballantyne worked as CEO of TCHC from 2002 to 2009.
According to media reports, the move comes after increasing pressure from Mayor Rob Ford to have Ballantyne removed.
Ford released a statement on Friday afternoon saying that Build Toronto had acted within its purview.
"It is my understanding that Build Toronto has put out a statement regarding Mr. Ballantyne and the (b)oard has acted within its authority. It is now time to move forward," said Ford.
