A teacher at Heart Lake Secondary School in Brampton has been charged with sexually exploiting a student.

Doug Dale, 45, of Brampton was arrested Tuesday, June 6, and charged with one count of sexual exploitation. He was held for a bail hearing.

Peel Regional Police said the charge stems from an investigation of an alleged sexual relationship between the teacher at the Conestoga Drive school and a 16-year-old student.

Dale has been assigned to home since the allegation was made, said the Peel District School Board. He will remain assigned to home pending the outcome of the court proceedings, said a letter sent home from principal Peter Koehnen to parents Tuesday.

The popular math teacher has been teaching for about 20 years, according to the Ontario College of Teachers website.

"Heart Lake Secondary School staff and the Peel District School Board have fully co-operated with the police during their investigation, and will continue to do so," Koehnen wrote in the letter to parents

"I know that it's important to you, as parents, to feel confident that students are well cared for and protected while they are at school. I take this responsibility seriously — we have policies and clear procedures to make sure students learn in a safe, secure environment," Koehnen wrote.

The investigation is being conducted by Peel's special victims unit. Anyone with information should call 905-453-2121, ext. 3460.