As new calendars were pinned to walls all over the country last week, the invites to municipal New Year’s levees also started to be distributed. Although the custom is broadly recognized as an annual, governmental event, what is it exactly?

The tradition of the levee started in the 17th century with King Louis XIV as his opportunity to welcome select subjects to his bedchamber at the start of a new day. The custom spread through Great Britain in the 18th century as a formal court reception hosted for men in the early afternoon.

The association between the levee and New Year’s day began in Canada as this was the day that fur traders paid their respects to their government representatives.

The first formal Canadian levee was recorded on January 1, 1646 in the Chateau St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, the Governor of New France (later Québec). During the levee, Huault de Montmagny greeted residents and shared the state of affairs within the area.

Today, the format of the levee has changed considerably but the idea of having residents welcomed by their local government at the start of a New Year is alive and well in Mississauga.

The 2020 Mayor’s New Year’s Levee event hosted by Mayor Bonnie Crombie will be taking place on Sunday, January 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The levee is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to meet the Mayor and Members of Council in person, take a photo and welcome the New Year.

Event information can be found here.