Ontario is getting a new area code next year & here’s what to know

A new area code is coming to southwestern Ontario next year, adding a fourth three-digit code to the growing region. The new addition is set to begin next summer and here’s all you need to know.

There are area codes 226, 519, and 548 in southwestern Ontario at the moment but starting on June 17, 2023, a new area code will join the mix – 382.

In a release by the Telecommunications Alliance, it was announced that the area will be getting a new code due to a decision made by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. The new addition is expected “to meet the continuously growing demand for new telephone numbers,” according to the release.

It will be introduced gradually starting on June 17, 2023 and customers requesting a new phone number may get one with the new area code.

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“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 area code 382 will be added to the current area codes already in use in this region.”

According to the release, numbers with the new 382 area code will only be assigned to customers when all others have already been taken.

And as always, it’s important to note that the new area code in the region does not affect local calling areas or the way long-distance calls are dialed.

The region has not received a new area code since 548 was introduced in 2016 – believe it or not, six years ago. Time flies!