The New Year’s Day Levee is a traditional annual event that is held by various members and organizations of government, including the Governor General of Canada, military establishments, the lieutenant governors and municipalities. The event dates back to the time of the fur traders of New France.
On Saturday, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and more than a dozen of the city councillors stood in the rotunda of city hall on a red carpet to meet and greet dozens of residents, supporters and voters. Ford led the charge, while Deputy Mayor Doug Holiday was next to him and his brother, Councillor Doug Ford, was at the end of the line.
Before the official ceremony began, the mayor and city councillors spoke with one another and wished each other a happy new year.
Councillor Doug Ford speaking with a Toronto resident.
The mayor – who has been in charge for more than two months now – and city councillors shook hands, shared brief exchanges and laughter and took photographs with their constituents. Ford also handed out a business card to each person he spoke with.
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, David C. Onley, hosted the annual Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Levee at the Fort York National Historic Site just west of the downtown core. The event is in anticipation of the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812.
Prior to Saturday’s festivities, Ford
spoke at a Toronto Dodge Chrysler dealership in downtown Toronto where he spoke about ending the $60 personal vehicle tax, which was
terminated last month.
City Councillor giving a high five to a child.
“Starting today, car owners in Toronto no longer have to pay this unfair tax,” said Ford. “Ending this tax puts $64 million back into taxpayers' pockets. That's money back where it belongs.” He later thanked Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty for his cooperation: “We are all in this together.”
The city of Toronto officially heads back to work Wednesday. The Toronto Police Services Board will meet at Police Headquarters. On Thursday, the Board of Health will hold a meeting at city hall.
For a complete list of future meetings and agenda proceedings, click
here.
