In the lead up to 2022 Toronto municipal election, CJRU is reaching out to all candidates in the downtown wards.

With a platform focused on fiscal responsibility and community safety, entrepeneur Axel Arvizu is running to become the next city councillor of Ward 11 University-Rosedale.

"I always had an inclination for public service," he said. "I want to be a catalyst and factor for change in my community."

Arvizu is a manager for a home building company specializing in making custom homes. As a longtime resident of the ward, he said he wants to ensure affordability and safety can be achieved both for residents now and the next generation.

"We need to build more inventory [of homes]," Arvizu said. If elected, he said he will strive to advocate to work with developers and help cool the housing market to ensure affordability for families to stay together. Further, he said he will work to maintain cap on rent increases.

In terms of addressing the needs of the unhoused, Arvizu said he wants to tackle the problems at the source.

"The [tent] encampments are a symptom of a bigger problem," he said. "We should eliminate the root of the problem and invest in communities and organizations that create opportunities for young people, we should invest in drug rehabilitation programs and mental health treatments instead of safe injection sites."

Overall, Arvizu wants the ward's electorate to know that he is open to listening to all residents and communities, and encourages them to vote for the changes they want to see in city hall.

"I do hope you give me the opportunity to work for you, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing something good for the city."

Toronto's municipal election is scheduled for Oct.24.

Listen to Axel Arvizu's full interview: