The New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e, a longtime 91原创 tradition, is alive and flourishing in Victoria, with six functions open to the public on Tuesday.
The word lev茅e comes from the French verb 鈥渓ever,鈥� which means to rise. The term refers to the practice of early 91原创s who rose on the first day of the year to pay their respects to the master of the fort or government representative.
The first recorded lev茅e in Canada was held in 1646. To this day, successive governors general, provincial lieutenants governor, military establishments and some municipalities still open their doors to receive the public.
鈥� On Tuesday. B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin will be on hand to greet the public as the doors to Government House open for its annual New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e.
Visitors can enjoy light refreshments and music by the 91原创 Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums.
The New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e has been a tradition among vice regal houses since British Columbia entered Confederation in 1871.
The event runs 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday at Government House, 1401 Rockland Ave.
鈥� The 91原创 Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary鈥檚) open the doors to Bay Street Armoury and their Officers鈥� Mess for the annual New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet with members of the regiment during this traditional celebration of the New Year.
The event runs 9 a.m. to noon at the Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay St.
鈥� The public is invited to meet members of city council at the annual City of Victoria New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e. There will be complimentary refreshments by chef David Roger of Songhees Seafood and Steam and musical entertainment performed by Hal Fraser on piano.
Parking will be free downtown at city parkades and at on-street meters on New Year鈥檚 Day.
The event runs 10 a.m. to noon at Victoria City Hall, 1 Centennial Sq.
鈥� Join Esquimalt mayor and council at the township鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 Day Lev茅e, a time-honoured tradition dating back to 1947.
The event runs 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Esquimalt Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. Parking is available at the Recreation Centre. Light refreshments will be served.
And to start the New Year off right, recreation facility admissions on New Year鈥檚 Day will be free: Public swimming will be available 1 to 3 p.m. at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and public skating 1 to 2:50 p.m. at the Archie Browning Sports Centre.
鈥� The Oak Bay mayor and council invite residents to join them for a Community Walk, followed by a meet and greet at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre.
The four-kilometre walk starts at 12:30 p.m. from the Oak Bay Recreation Centre lobby. The meet and greet follows between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Upstairs Lounge of the facility.
In addition, the public can take part in free programming: Jazzercise noon-1 p.m.; tennis fun 1 to 3:30 p.m.; everyone welcome skate noon to 1:30 p.m.; leisure and lengths swim noon to 2 p.m.; free kids鈥� fun swim 2 to 4:30 p.m. and fitness orientation (please pre-register) 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
鈥� In the District of Sooke, the Mayor鈥檚 New Year Lev茅e takes place between 10 a.m. and noon in the council chambers at the municipal hall, 2205 Otter Point Rd.
