Skip to content

New local area code takes effect this week, joins 705 and 249

For local calls, continue to enter 10 digits (area code + local number). It is important to note the 9-1-1 emergency number remains a three-digit number throughout the area.
2022 06 13 woman-cell-phone-surprise-pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3771127
That call from a 683 area code might be someone you know

If you get a text or call from a 683 area code, don't immediately swipe it from your screen. It could be a friend or family member or even your boss trying to reach you.

The 249/705 region that covers a large swath of Ontario — from north of the GTA to James Bay and from west of Ottawa to the Algoma district in the west — will see the introduction of the new 683 area code on June 18.

For a map of Canadian area codes, click here.

The growing demand for phone numbers in several regions across Canada led the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to add new area codes. When phone numbers start to run out in certain areas, new area codes are created to meet demand and introducing a new area code creates seven million new phone numbers for communication services.

See more on the CRTC's decision to add 683 to the existing 249/705 region in central Ontario and how new area codes are created.

Existing area code 249/705 numbers keep the same area code, will see no operational changes, and local calling areas also remain the same. Only new telephone lines are affected by the new 683 area code. For local calls, continue to enter 10 digits (area code + local number).

It is important to note the 9-1-1 emergency number remains a three-digit number throughout the area.