Here's what's changing in Ottawa in the new year

As the year comes to a close and we ringin 2017, we'll also be faced with some changes.From transit to tourism, here are some new things you should be aware of startingJanuary 1.

OC Transpo's annual fare hike goes into effect on New Year's Day. The express lines will now be classified asregular routesand there will only be one rate for all monthly passes. If you have an express pass, you'll need to trade it in by January 1.

Thecash fare for adults and youth aged 13 and uphas been lowered to $3.40, but the Presto card payments will beraised to $3.35. The youth pass will be eligible for anyonebetween the ages six and 19, replacing student cards. The full changes can be found on the OC Transpo website.

Canada's upcoming 150th birthday will soon be celebrated in parks across the country thanks to the Parks Canada Discovery Passes.

A ticket for 365 days of adventure, these passes give the holders free, year-long admission to any national park, historic site or marine conservation area across the country.

Passes can be ordered online via Parks Canada.

Across Ontario, both gasoline and natural gas prices will go up right after you welcome 2017. Due to the recent national climate change agreement, Ontarians will be paying $0.04 more for every litre of gas, and $5 more each month on natural gas heating bills.

First-time home buyers will catch a break on land transfer taxes starting in the new year. The Ontario government announcednew home owners won't pay any land transfer tax on the first $368,000 of a purchase price, and they will become eligible for a rebate of up to $4,000 in provincial land transfer tax, levied on the purchase of every house and condominium.