Setting a New Year's resolution? We asked 9 notable Torontonians for theirs

For many, the new year offers a chance for a fresh start.

It's a time to reflect on the last 12 months and prepare for the year to come -- often, in the form of a New Year's resolution.

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CTV News Toronto asked 9 well-known Torontonians for their 2024 resolution or wish.

Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto

"In 2024, I’m resolved to make this city a place where fewer people have to struggle so hard to get by.

I’m resolved to build the hope that comes when a family finds an affordable place to live; when people can get home or to work on time, through fast, reliable transit; and when we build complete neighbourhoods with community centres, playgrounds, and libraries.

[And] to bike, hike, paddle and ski every trail, ravine and river in Toronto."

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow arrives to West Block of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Andre De Grasse, six-time olympic medalist:

"Perseverance."

Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse smiles after racing to a gold medal in the men's 200m final at the Olympics in Tokyo on August 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Jean Yoon, actress and writer:

"This year, rather than make a New Year’s Resolution, I’m going to follow the eastern tradition of making a New Year’s Wish.

Wishes are simple and hopeful, whereas the whole process of New Year’s Resolutions is steeped in self-loathing, guilt and self-criticism. Yuck.

So this year my resolution is to make a New Year’s Wish and to keep making wishes each year going forward. And no, I can’t tell you my New Year’s Wish. It’s a secret.

If I tell you, it won’t come true.

새 해 복 많이 받으세요!

祝您新年快了!"

Canadian actress Jean Yoon poses for a photograph in Toronto on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Jully Black, singer, songwriter, and actress:

"My hope is for us all to open our minds to a new way of thinking. Especially for those who may be feeling stuck in any way shape or form.

This quote below is what has transformed my life. Especially in light of the heaviness of parts of the world. We can still have a joy-filled life using the practice below.

'When you change the way you see things, the things you see change.'"

Jully Black is photographed in Toronto on Friday January 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Jen Agg, restaurateur and author:

"I don’t do New Year’s resolutions because I don’t believe in the idea of making change that way. It generally doesn’t work.

My motivators for enacting long-lasting changes in my life are love, vanity, and the unending march of time – every day, we move a little closer to falling off this mortal coil – so I guess I always try to live as well as possible!"

Jen Agg, Toronto restaurateur and author. Agg owns and operates local eateries such as Le Swan French Diner, Rhum Corner, Grey Gardens, and Bar Vendetta.

Julia Romano, lawyer, Tiktoker, and content creator:

"My New Year’s resolution for 2023 is to be the most famous person in the world.

My wish for 2024 is that our municipal and provincial governments take action to address the needs of our Toronto communities – including housing (especially for our refugees), cost of living, mental health, and access to health care (especially for non-status folk).

Jojo and Raisin’s 2024 resolution is to eat more fancy feast."

Julia Romano, lawyer, Tiktok content creator, social media influencer, and sister to Toronto Blue Jays closing pitcher Jordan Romano. (julesthelawyer/Instagram)

John Tory, former Mayor of Toronto:

"Aside from good health and a happy family, to use my voice in challenging and worrisome times to get people talking and try to bring them together.

It's the only way."

Carley Fortune, author:

"My resolution is to be creative outside of my work. Make bad art! Specifically, I’m playing with watercolour painting and film photography."

READ MORE: Carley Fortune's debut novel set in Canadian cottage country cracks bestsellers' lists

Carley Fortune, New York Times best-selling fiction author. (carleyfortune/instagram)

Laura Whaley, Tiktoker and content creator:

"Do more things that bring me joy."

Laura Whaley, Toronto content creator whose short-form videos have amassed an online audience of more than three million. (loewhaley/Instagram)