Police in Owen Sound have charged a former teacher with historic offences related to a then-student.

The Criminal Investigation Branch arrested 59-year-old Gene Cassidy of Owen Sound on Thursday.

Police say he is facing charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual exploitation and being unlawfully in a dwelling.

Cassidy is a retired teacher who worked at the Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

According to investigators, the charges stem from historic interactions with a former student of the school while he was employed there.

He was being held pending a bail hearing on Thursday.