New Area Codes for Canadian Provinces

Looks like Canada is running short on phone numbers, as five more provinces are scheduled to receive new area codes over the next year. Area codes in their respective regions will co-exist, providing for a substantial increase in available telephone numbers without affecting existing numbers. The new area codes will not affect local calling areas, and will be introduced gradually depending on demand. Mandatory 10-digit dialling will also be introduced in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The introduction of these new area codes is the result of decisions by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

In the past, new area codes have already been successfully introduced to regions in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

New area codes to be introduced include:

• British Columbia: The 236 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 250/604/778. Effective June 1, 2013.
• Saskatchewan: The 639 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 306. Effective May 11, 2013.
• Manitoba: The 431 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 204. Effective November 3, 2012.
• Ontario: The 437 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 416/647. Effective March 25, 2013. The 365 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 905/289. Effective March 25, 2013.
• Quebec: The 873 area code will be introduced in the region now served by 819. Effective September 15, 2012.
  

Other area codes will reach capacity in the next several years - Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, who share the 902 area code, are expected to run out of numbers by April, 2015.