New area code coming for B.C.

Phone users in British Columbia will be getting a new area code starting June 1.

The new area code – 236 – will be put in place to ensure there are enough phone numbers for everyone in the province.

There is no need to change one’s existing phone number, and in areas where there is still a sufficient supply of 604, 778 and 250 numbers, they will continue to be given out as long as they are available.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission says the timing and availability of phone numbers with the new area code will vary by community, depending upon the local inventory and demand.