Everyone is invited to come to Toronto City Hall to welcome the new year at the annual Mayor's New Year's Levee on Thursday, January 1, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ring in New Year's Day with Mayor David Miller and Members of Council. Young and old are encouraged to come to Toronto City Hall to meet with Mayor Miller and City Councillors, to enjoy local entertainment and to have some refreshments.

Having originated in France (from the verb lever, to raise), it was in Canada that the Levee became associated with New Year's Day. The fur traders had the tradition of paying their respects to the Master of the Fort (their government representative) on New Year's Day. This custom — to mark the start of another year and to provide an opportunity for the public and public officials to exchange greetings — continues.

For more information on the Mayor David Miller's New Year's Levee, please contact protocol@toronto.ca.