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.