The first racialized person to become Toronto mayor has officially been sworn in.

”My friends … (chuckling) today is a day for renewal,” said Olivia Chow in her opening remarks after being sworn-in and being presented with the Chain of Office from the City Clerk.

”In the face of our shared challenges the message (during the election campaign) was loud and clear, people want change.”

As family, friends, city councillors and former mayors; including Art Eggleton, Barbara Hall, John Sewell and David Crombie listened, Chow says in addition to addressing the housing crisis, fixing public transit and making the city safer, there’s also the city budget shortfall left behind by COVID and ”reluctant” partners in Ottawa and Queen’s Park.

Meanwhile, Jennifer McKelvie smiles while wiping away tears as Chow thanked the deputy mayor for stepping up when residents needed her after John Tory resigned in February.