VIDEO: Former federal candidate sets his sights on Kelowna city council seat

Daniel Joseph made headlines when he cut ties with the Peoples Party of Canada over what he called "hateful views".

While the party dismissed the allegations as baseless, Joseph went on to run as an independent in the 2019 federal election.

Now he's among the field of contenders looking for a spot on Kelowna City Council.

Joseph said what's needed on city council is someone willing to take responsibility for issues including homelessness, drug abuse and crime.

"We can see in the last few years how that's spiralled out of control," he said.

"What I'm hoping to do is come to city council, and really bring a unifying voice on how we're going to help solve some of the issues," said Joseph.

Housing is generally considered an area of provincial responsibility, but he said the city needs someone willing to say that responsibility is right here.

"It could be a bit of political suicide because every trend is showing that it's getting worse and worse year after year, but I would love to take responsibility and really work with both private and public institutions to address the issues," he said.

"The precursor to a lot of these issues is affordability," he explained.

And Joseph believes there are things that the city can do to address the problem.

"I know we can do better," he said. "I know there is more that we can do."

Joseph says we need to take a look at commercial and industrial property that's sitting vacant.

"We do need densification," he added, "but we need smarter densification."

Joseph suggested people are being priced out of their city.

"We're seeing costs rising up and it's getting harder and harder for just the average family living here," he said.

Joseph is among a long list of candidates campaigning for a place on council.

To check out all of the candidates, visit KelownaVotes 2022.

Decision day is October 15.