Toronto Gets a New Area Code: Say Hello to 942 This Week

Toronto is about to welcome a new area code — 942 — joining the city’s existing codes 416, 647, and 437 starting April 26, 2025. This latest change comes as part of a long tradition of adapting Canada’s phone system to meet growing demand.

Why Is Toronto Getting a New Area Code?

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved 942 to ensure there are enough numbers for future growth. This new code will not replace any existing numbers. Instead, it will be gradually assigned to new numbers across Toronto, covering the same geographic area.

“Introducing a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting existing ones,” said Kelly T. Walsh, program manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator.

What You Need to Know

Here are a few key things to keep in mind as 942 rolls out:

• Your existing number stays the same
• All local calls still require 10-digit dialing
• 911 and other special numbers (211, 311, 988, etc.) remain 3-digit
• Businesses must update call restrictions to allow 942 as a local code

More info is available at newareacodes.ca.

A Quick Look Back: The History of Area Codes in Canada

Area codes are more than just numbers — they’re part of Canada’s communications evolution. In the early days, you didn’t call by number — you called by name, and operators manually connected you. That all changed when automatic dialing came to Toronto and Montreal in 1924, thanks to rotary phones.

Then, in 1947, the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was introduced. Ontario was originally split into just two codes: 416 and 613.

Since then, a series of splits and overlays has shaped the system:

• 1953–1993: 519, 705, 807, and eventually 905 were created from the original codes.
  
• 2001: 647 and 289 were added as overlays, leading to mandatory 10-digit dialing in certain regions.
  
• 2023: 10-digit dialing became mandatory across all of Canada, supporting the new 988 mental health and suicide prevention line.

Now, Toronto joins cities like Vancouver, which will introduce a fifth area code (257) in May, showing just how much urban populations and digital demand have grown.

What’s Next?

Starting this week, keep an eye out — or an ear — for numbers starting with 942. It’s a reminder that even as technology advances, we’re still dialing into history with every call.

How do you feel about adding another area code to Toronto? Is it a necessary step or digital overload?

More…

• https://www.toronto.com/news/say-hello-to-torontos-new-area-code-arriving-this-week-heres-the-history-behind-canadas/article_3b5e09a5-256f-5c63-86c9-6f3952a0e79f.html
• https://www.bvoip.com/blog/toronto-new-942-area-code-coming-in-april-2025
• https://www.insidehalton.com/life/say-hello-to-torontos-new-area-code-arriving-in-2025-heres-the-history-behind-canadas/article_764273c6-b29a-5c8e-a2b0-f4b24b1f3843.html