Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen said he was happy to skip the sherry and crustless sandwiches from New Year’s Day levees of the past to embrace a more inclusive and healthier tradition.
The municipality was one of several in the region to offer a meet-and-greet with the mayor and council, in combination with free recreation activities.
“It’s more fun for the family and a great way to build community,” said Jensen at Oak Bay Recreation Centre after returning from a four-kilometre walk with constituents and colleagues.
“We got such great feedback from last year, we decided to do it again.”
New Year’s levees have been a Canadian tradition since 18th-century fur traders greeted leaders of the forts. The tradition is still observed by the governor general and lieutenant-governors, as well as the military and municipalities.
This was the first year Esquimalt decided to depart from the traditional levee.
“It was a huge success,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins, who popped by the packed Government House and City of Victoria levees before greeting the public at Esquimalt Recreation Centre, where there was a free skate and swim.
“We pride ourselves on being a healthy community, and everyone who came through said this reinforced that,” she said.
While council likes the idea of the recreational event, Desjardins said, they decided a traditional levee would be more appropriate for years when a new council comes in.
“And this is an election year,” she said, which means the next levee will likely be back in chambers.
Wednesday’s traditional levee at Government House attracted about 1,500 people.
Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon shook hands for two hours before delivering her New Year’s Day remarks, said Adrienne Dunton, communications and events co-ordinator in the office of the lieutenant-governor.
“With the mild weather, people didn’t seem to mind standing in line [outdoors] to get inside,” Dunton said.
Guests were greeted with music by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums.
The pipe band’s rendition of Auld Lang Syne, a poem by Robert Burns set to the music of a traditional folk song, was a definite crowd pleaser, Dunton said.
As dozens who came for the free Jazzercise at Oak Bay Recreation Centre filed out of the gym, others streamed into the rink to lace up their skates.
“I love skating,” said 13-year-old Chris Gerke, who came with his family after a New Year’s brunch of eggs benedict and a late night watching movies with dad.
Three-year-old Marley Chipperfield was geared up with pink skates and a helmet to hit the ice for the first time.
“She’s got her theme song ready,” said mom Kate Turner, as the toddler quietly sang, “We got to skate,” and they headed to join the crowd gliding around the rink.
— With file from Cindy Harnett
