New area code coming to B.C. this week

Brace yourself, a new area code is coming to B.C. before the end of the month.

Canada’s Telecommunications Alliance says a sixth area code, 257, will become available to British Columbian phone owners on May 24.

“The introduction of this new area code is in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers, ensuring residents and businesses continue to have enough numbers to meet demand well into the future,” said a representative.

Two-Five-Seven joins the other codes serving B.C., 236, 250, 604, 672, and 778.

The alliance says the new code will be introduced gradually, and numbers with the earlier codes will still be assigned or available “until the supply is exhausted.”

Six-Zero-Four served as the province’s sole area code until 1996.