So, what is a Levee and what can I expect at the Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Day Levee?

What does the word “Levee” mean and how did the New Year’s Day Levee come about?

The tradition of the levee started in the 17th century with King Louis XIV! It began as a custom of welcoming select subjects to his bedchamber at the start of a new day. The custom spread into Great Britain in the 18th century as a formal court reception hosted for men in the early afternoon.

The association between the levee and New Year’s day began in Canada as this was the day that fur traders paid their respects to their government representatives.

The first formal Canadian levee was recorded on January 1st, 1646 in the Chateau St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, the Governor of New France (later Québec). During the levee, Huault de Montmagny greeted residents and shared the state of affairs within the area. 

Over the years, New Year's levees have become almost solely a Canadian observance, although kinds of levées still exist in other countries.

What is the history of the New Year’s Day Levee in Saskatchewan?

On January 1, 1884, Lieutenant Governor Edgar Dewdney held the first New Year’s Levee in what is now known as Saskatchewan. The Government House of 1884 was little more than two draughty, clapboard dwellings joined to make one inconvenient, cold, temporary structure on the edge of Wascana Creek, located near the site of the present RCMP Depot. Only gentlemen were invited to the first Levee, where they renewed acquaintances with the elite of frontier society. Lieutenant Governor Joseph Royal moved into the present Government House in October of 1891 and continued the levee tradition.

In 1902, adopting a more democratic approach, Lieutenant Governor Amédeé Forget opened the Levee to the public. The “public”, however, was exclusively male, as women were still not permitted to attend. The cancellation of the New Year’s Day Levee of 1905, due to Forget’s poor health, was met with general disappointment. The tradition continued in 1906. In 1910, special buses were dispatched every ten minutes from Regina’s downtown to transport the hundreds of callers eager to enjoy the Vice-Regal hospitality. The New Year’s Day Levee continued to be a popular tradition for decades. The men of Saskatchewan attended Government House in great numbers, enjoying the chance to meet the Vice-Regal couple in the elaborate setting.  

In 1945, Government House was converted into a rehabilitation hospital for veterans returning from World War II. In keeping with popular tradition, Lieutenant Governor Reginald J.M. Parker continued to host the Levee at the Hotel Saskatchewan, the official office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. The Levee was held at the Hotel Saskatchewan until the early 1970s, when it was cancelled due to lagging popularity.

In 1985, following the return of the Vice-Regal Office to the newly restored Government House, Lieutenant Governor F.W. Johnson and Mrs. Joyce Johnson re-introduced the New Year’s Levee. The Vice-Regal couple welcomed men and, for the first time, women to the New Year’s Day festivities.

The Levee was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to an annual New Year’s tradition in 2023 and again in 2024.

Where is the New Year’s Day Levee held now?

Government House - which is located at 4607 Dewdney Avenue in Regina, Saskatchewan.

How much is admission?

There is no admission fee to attend the New Year’s Day Levee. Festive food and beverages and musical entertainment are also all complimentary.

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome. Come and bring your friends and family.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code. Some people choose to dress up for the party and others come in more casual attire.

What happens at the Levee?

You can exchange New Year’s greetings with Their Honours and pose for photos, create your very own crown in the crafts room, listen to musical performers, explore the museum and art gallery, enjoy festive refreshments in the ballroom, relax with coffee or tea in the conservatory, and take in the seasonal splendor of Government House all decked out for the holidays.

Will there be refreshments?

Light refreshments will be served in the Henry Newlands Ballroom and Sylvia Fedoruk Conservatory.

How do I address the Lieutenant Governor?

The Lieutenant Governor and his wife are each addressed as “Your Honour”. Together they are referred to as “Their Honours”.

Where can I park?

Free parking is available on the east side of Government House or in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Is there a coat check?

There is an area near the main entrance for you to hang your coat and leave other outerwear if you like.

Is Government House wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Government House is entirely accessible.

Will I be able to tour the museum?

The Amédée Forget Museum will be open throughout the event. Visitor Experience Hosts will be dressed in period costume and will be available to answer your questions.

More questions?

Email lgo@ltgov.sk.ca or call 306-787-4063.