Hamilton police investigate Ottawa St. BIA for misuse of funds

Hamilton police are reportedly investigating allegations that a second business improvement association in the city has misused funding.

It comes after the Ottawa Street BIA removed Michael Carruth as the board chair this week “due to the suspected misuse of BIA funds.”

The association says so-called “financial irregularities” were discovered by their accountant and the board immediately notified police and the city.

Carruth owns the now shuttered Down the Street Food Co. on Ottawa Street.

The investigation comes just months after the city’s integrity commissioner alleged the former treasurer of the King Street West BIA misused $18,500 from the association.

Police say those allegations are also currently under investigation.

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