Newmarket's New Year's event, Mayor's Levee cancelled to reduce spread of Omicron variant

Mayor John Taylor said cancelling the events will also help town refocus on vaccine clinics

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 23, 2021
Aileen Zangouei

The town of Newmarket is cancelling their Tim Hortons First Night New Year's event and the Mayor's New Year's Levee in an effort to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

"I know that many residents were looking forward to ringing the New Year with us at the town's First Night event after another incredibly difficult year. However, with the cases of COVID-19 increasing rapidly we have decided to cancel the town's New Year activities, as well as my Levee," said Mayor John Taylor, adding that the decision was made to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.

Cancelling the events that were scheduled for Dec. 31 and Jan. 7, will also enable the town to shift their staff and resources to support vaccine clinics.

According to Taylor, the town is working with York Region Public Health and Southlake Regional Health Centre to open vaccine clinics in the coming weeks.

"These clinics will expand the availability of vaccines for all eligible age groups, including those in need of booster shots. We're moving as quickly as possible to get these clinics up and running, but ask for your patience as we refocus our resources to get them up and running," Taylor said.

Newmarket facilities will continue to operate safely during the holiday season with holiday hours.

For more information, visit newmarket.ca/covid19, or contact the town at info@newmarket.ca.