519 region to get 3rd area code

Just over six years after getting a second area code, the 519 region – which covers everywhere from Guelph to Tobermory, and Windsor to Waterloo – is already running out of phone numbers.

The authority that looks after telephone numbers in Canada is predicting Southwestern Ontario will run out of numbers by January 2017. The second area code – 226 – came into effect on October 21, 2006.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission announced this morning that it is looking in to a solution.

In our area, the Halton community of Acton will be affected, as will the Hamilton communities of Lynden and Sheffield. Because of the 2001 amalgamation of the City of Hamilton with the region of Hamilton-Wentworth, the change will give Hamilton six area codes within its boundaries.

Map credit: Canadian Numbering Authority