519, 226 and 548, but not until 2016: New area code delayed

A new 548 area code is being introduced to most of southwestern Ontario, including London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Brantford, Sarnia, Woodstock, Stratford and Owen Sound. (Canadian Numbering Administrator)

A new area code which had been expected to arrive in southwestern Ontario this year will instead show up in 2016.

In 2013, the CRTC announced that the areas currently covered by the 519 and 226 area codes would see a third code, 548, added in June 2015.

An announcement made Tuesday says numbers starting with 548 now won’t be added to the mix until June 2016.

“The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting existing numbers,” said Glen Brown, spokesperson for the Canadian Numbering Administrator in a news release.

“It is part of today’s reality throughout North America and demonstrates the flexibility and growth potential of Canadian communications networks.”

Area codes 519, 226 and 548 cover the western and southwestern parts of Ontario, including Windsor, London, Owen Sound, Kitchener and Brantford.