Richmond Hill marks New Year with individual levees by politicians

Local politicians in Richmond Hill are holding separate New Year levee-style events in January and February rather than a single city-hosted levee; Mayor David West and Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan have announced their own gatherings and an MP hosted a levee on Jan. 10.

The traditional New Year levee in Richmond Hill has shifted this year to individual events hosted by local politicians. The city previously held a low-key levee with a range of elected officials and public safety representatives in January 2025. In 2026, several leaders are scheduling their own meet-and-greets instead of taking part in a single city-organized event. Residents can attend separate gatherings arranged by the mayor, the deputy mayor and other representatives. Key details: - The city held a group levee on Jan. 11, 2025 that included councillors, MPs, MPPs, Fire and Emergency Services and York Regional Police. - Mayor David West will hold a New Year's Coffee and Chat at the Central Branch public library on Atkinson Street on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. - Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan will host a levee at Bayview Hill Community Centre on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.; the event is announced to include Richmond Hill Winter Carnival volunteers, popcorn, table hockey, information booths and free Chinese calligraphy. - Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill MP Costas Menegakis hosted a levee at his riding office on Jan. 10. Summary: Richmond Hill is using a more decentralized approach this year, with officials meeting residents at separate events rather than at one city-wide levee. Events scheduled for residents include the mayor's Jan. 25 Coffee and Chat and the deputy mayor's Feb. 1 levee, and an MP held a levee on Jan. 10.