Information on the new area codes

Learn about these new area codes and view frequently asked questions.

As demand for telecommunications services continues to grow, new area codes will be added to ensure adequate availability of telephone numbers. The geographic region currently covered by area codes will see the addition of a code.

Note:

The new area codes will only be assigned to new telephone numbers
Anyone who already has a number will retain their existing number
The geographic boundaries that govern long distances will not change
Special numbers like 9-1-1 will still be dialed using 3 digits
For your local calls, you will continue to dial 10 digits (area code + local number)

Region	New codes	Existing codes	Launch date
Manitoba	584	204, 431	October 29, 2022
Ontario	683	249, 705	June 18, 2022
Ontario	753	343, 613	March 26, 2022
Ontario	742	289, 365, 905	October 16, 2021
Quebec	367	481, 581	November 24, 2018
Quebec	263	514, 438	October 22, 2022
Quebec	468	819, 873	October 22, 2022
Quebec	354	450, 579	October 22, 2022
New Brunswick	428	506	April 29, 2023
Alberta	368	403, 587, 780, 825	April 23, 2022
Ontario	382	226, 519, 548	June 17, 2023

FAQ

Will current phone numbers change?

No. Your current phone number will not change.

What is 10 digit local dialing?

10 digit local dialing means that the caller must dial the area code (three digits) followed by the phone number (seven digits) for all local communications (calls and texts).

When should residents and businesses start using the area code for local calls in the region?

Telephone service providers are currently able to support 10 digit local dialing. Business and residential customers will need to adopt 10 digit local dialing before launch date.

Will local calling areas remain the same?

Yes. Introducing a new area code, and 10 digit local dialing, does not affect local calling areas in any way.

Will long distance calls be affected?

No. Long-distance calling will continue to be dialed in the same manner. Simply enter “1” followed by the 10 digit number.

Will all new numbers have the new area code?

No. Numbers will continue to be assigned with existing area code until there are none left.

When will it be possible for businesses to reserve numbers in the new area code?

The Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA) will assign blocks of new numbers to telecommunications carriers only when all numbers in the existing area code have run out.

Numbers with new area code will only become available for reservation to customers after they have been assigned to a telecommunications carrier.

Who is responsible for the introduction of new area codes in Canada?

These measures are the result of decisions by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Local telecommunications companies are responsible for implementing the changes.

What is the "overlay method"?

The overlay method simply involves adding a new code to the geographic region served by existing area codes. The two area codes will co-exist, providing for a substantial increase in available telephone numbers in the region without affecting existing 10 digits numbers.

Is it common to introduce new area codes to ensure there is no shortage of available telephone numbers?

Yes. Most regions in Canada require multiple area codes to accommodate demand for telephone numbers. Just as New Brunswick has 1 area code today, adding a second area code will provide a substantial increase in available telephone numbers.

Should business CPE systems be programmed with the new area code?

Depending on the CPE used, programming may be required to accommodate incoming and outgoing calls accordingly prior to rollout date. This will ensure that you are able to make and receive calls without any interruption.

If you would like to open a billable MAC order to get TELUS to perform the programming changes for you, please contact us at 1-877-710-0404. If your CPE system is fully managed by TELUS, we will work on this programming change, per your request, and there is no additional charge.