Image: File photo, B.C. Govt. via Flickr / British Columbia is about to get another new area code next year following a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications to meet the growing demand for new telephone numbers.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New area code in B.C.

British Columbia to get another new area code next year

Oct 16, 2024 | 9:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — British Columbia is about to get another new area code following a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications to meet the growing demand for new telephone numbers.

According to a news release Wednesday (Oct. 16) from the Telecommunications Alliance, 257 will be the new area code for British Columbia starting May 24, 2025. B.C. is already served by area codes 250, 604, 778, 672 and 236.

“The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers,” said Kelly T. Walsh, Program Manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. “The new 257 area code will be added to the current area codes already in use and will cover the same geographic area.”

The new area code will be introduced gradually starting on May 24, 2025. After this date, consumers and businesses requesting a new phone number may receive one with the new area code.

The Telecommunications Alliance says the advent of a new area code in a region does not affect the geographic boundaries for local calling areas or the manner in which local or long-distance calls are dialed. Special numbers such as 9-1-1 will not be affected and will still be dialed using only three digits.

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Canada’s major telecommunications service providers are collaborating to develop a communications campaign informing the public about the introduction of new area codes in certain calling areas. For more information about new area codes in Canada, please visit newareacodes.ca.