10-digit dialing on its way to the 519

Due to a steady increase of new phone numbers, starting June 17, you will need to dial 10 digits instead of seven when making a local call.


“8,500,000 people in Southwestern, Eastern Ontario, North and South Montreal, and Central Quebec will be affected by the 10-digit dialing,” said Johanne Lemay, spokesperson for Telecommunications Alliance for its 10-digit local dialing campaign.

Although it is uncertain when it will be implemented, a new 226 area code will be integrated within the 519 area. It all depends on the number of requests for new numbers.

The new 226 area code will only apply to new numbers, and existing 519 numbers will not be affected.

According to Lemay, 20 years ago most households had only two phone lines, now thousands of households have four lines including cellphone.

She said that if you don't dial 10 digits when making a call after June 17, your call would be interrupted by a message telling you to always dial a 10-digit number.

Lemay recommends callers prepare for the change by dialing 519 before the phone number when making a local call.