As Toronto continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges that persist, City Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam believes Toronto Centre can continue to make positive changes for its residents in 2022.

Tam, who has been a city councillor since 2010, said the goals of 2021 were to return the vibrancy and livelihood of the downtown core, and that this work will continue in the new year.

Key accomplishments she outlines include accessibility through infrastructure projects like increased bike lanes, directly addressing Toronto's need for afforable housing and helping businesses survive amid the continued restrictions of the pandemic.

One particular challenge is the survival of local businesses in the downtown core amid the pandemic—with foot traffic reduced and the majority of work and schooling now remote, Councillor Tam said her office is working with local businesses to help them stay afloat.

For 2022, Tam hopes residents and groups can develop herd immunity, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant and postive COVID-19 cases rising again.

She cites the City of Toronto and the Team Toronto taskforce's efforts to vaccinate all eligible residents. With close to 90 per cent of residents ages 12 and up fully vaccinated, booster vaccines are steadily rolling out during the holiday the season.

Tam, who was in the last city council meeting for 2021, mentions the implementation of legislation targeted towards making Toronto more accessible in regards to transportation, food and specifically targeting the communities more in need.

More on the legislation and proposed bills are expected to be available in early 2022.

After first being elected for first for Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale in 2010, Wong was re-elected for the new for Ward 13 Toronto Centre in 2018 when councillor seats were aligned.

Listen to Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam's full interview here: