Lieutenant-governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell joins Mayor Fred Eisenberger at his annual levee.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell chooses to begin 2018 at Hamilton City Hall
Mayor Fred Eisenberger had a special guest at his annual New Year’s levee: the lieutenant-governor of Ontario.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell, representative of Queen Elizabeth II, chose to attend the levee to help bring greetings to Hamilton residents.
Her attendance gave a bit more pomp to the traditionally casual affair. Members of the military in formal dress stood watch over the reception, while a string quartet provided a soundtrack for the stream of Hamiltonians who made their way to city hall.
Dowdeswell noted in remarks to the media at the event that 2017 brought some difficult truths to light that the province will have to face this year.
She said “2017 was such a great year to look back on. And to be thankful for — and proud of who we are as a country and province.
“But it also unearthed a lot of conversations about how to improve things, and how we don’t want to leave things behind. So there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Dowdeswell’s presence also helped to entice Hamiltonians to make the trek out to the event in the frigid temperatures.
For Brian and Sharon Cole, who are affiliated with St. John’s Ambulance — which has a long relationship with the lieutenant-governor — Dowdeswell was the big draw. The Coles say they hope to see the city continue to blossom in 2018.
“We moved into downtown Hamilton as part of its renaissance, and we want to see that renaissance evolve throughout 2018,” said Brian Cole.
The word levee comes from the French word lever, meaning to rise. It started in the 1600s with King Louis XIV, who made a habit of receiving his subjects in his bed chamber just after he woke. Now styled more like a reception, New Year’s levees are still popular with politicians across the country.
For Eisenberger, the levee marks the start of a year that will see victories and challenges. As 2018 is an election year, the mayor will be campaigning to keep his seat come October. In the meantime, he said he plans to bring a gender equity policy forward to council and is looking forward to unveiling the new Hamilton sign that will adorn the city hall forecourt.
However, he expects the everturbulent LRT debate will remain in the forefront.
“LRT continues to be the biggest challenge, no matter what year it is, until the shovels are in the ground,” he said. “I’ve said all along it’s going to be a roller-coaster — I suspect there will be antiLRT candidates running in the next election. We’re going to have to put our case forward and be very clear about the benefits of LRT and why it’s important for our city.”