VANCOUVER – To meet the growing demand for new phone numbers in British Columbia, the CRTC is adding a new area code, 236, to the entire province starting June 1.
Individuals do not need to change their existing phone number. The new area code will come into effect as new telephone numbers are introduced when the supply of 604, 778 and 250 numbers are exhausted. Timing and availability of phone numbers with the new area code will vary by community, depending upon the local inventory and demand.
The geographic boundaries that govern long distance calling will not be affected.
The Western Telecommunications Alliance, a group of Canada’s major telecommunications companies, is working to inform all customers and businesses about the additional area code. To ensure a seamless transition to adding the new area code, 236, businesses are encouraged to begin making any necessary changes right away by reprogramming communications systems and equipment. Residential customers will not need to make any changes to their equipment.
Three-digit numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 emergency services will not be affected.
