A queue of people lined up around the City Hall rotunda on Tuesday afternoon, for a meet-and-greet with Mayor Rob Ford and several city councillors.

Hundreds showed up at Nathan Phillips Square and City Hall for Toronto's annual New Year's Levee, a tradition that dates back to 1968.

Ford shook hands and chatted briefly with Toronto residents but did not speak to reporters.

A message on the mayor's Twitter account extended his New Year's wishes:

“Wishing all of Toronto a very safe Happy New Year in 2013. May this be the best and most prosperous year for all."

Ford's office actually cancelled the levee early last month, replacing it with public skating events.

However, the levee was reinstated after an outcry from the public.

2013 got off to a violent start in Toronto.

The city's first homicide happened before 5:00am Tuesday, outside a bar on Keele Street, south of Steeles Avenue.

A 22-year-old man was stabbed at least once.

He was driven to Humber River Regional Hospital by his friends but the victim died shortly after arriving.

Police have not released any details about the victim and have not made any arrests.

Earlier in the morning,

New Year's celebrations turned violent when a shooter opened fire on a car outside The Guvernment nightclub, near Jarvis Street and Queens Quay East.

Toronto Police say 5 shots rang out around 2:00am.

At least 3 bullets hit the car.

A man and woman drove themselves to St. Michael's Hospital after the shooting and were treated for gunshot wounds.

They are expected to recover.

Authorities have not identified the victims or provided details about a possible suspect.