A Welcome to Brantford pass is being launched on New Year’s Day.

A co-operative effort by the City of Brantford and YMCA Immigrant Services, the pass is aimed at people who have recently made Brantford their home, and will offer discounts at a variety of services and attractions in the city.

The pass “encourages new residents to get out and explore their new community in a cost-effective way,” said Kara Davey, the city’s tourism marketing coordinator.

The new Welcome Pass will include single-use discounts at municipal facilities, including Arrowdale Golf Course, Earl Haig Family Fun Park, Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the Bell Homestead, the Sanderson Centre, and for merchandise at the Brantford Visitor and Tourism Centre.

The pass will be included in the relocation package program the tourism centre has been providing to newcomers since 2003 featuring trail, road and transit maps, event and festival listings and the Explore the Grand Visitor Guide.

“It is important that newcomers connect with the local community and events,” said Lily Lumsden, senior regional manager, YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford. “By participating and engaging in all that Brantford has to offer, newcomers will truly feel at home.”

Currently at a population of more than 97,000, the city sees almost 1,000 new residents settling in each year.

Newcomers can pick up a Welcome to Brantford package at the Brantford Visitor and Tourism Centre located at 399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway, at YMCA Immigrant Services at 38 Darling St., or by calling 519-751-9900.