British Columbia is getting a new phone area code next year.
The 2-5-7 area code will be introduced gradually starting May 24th.
It follows a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission aimed at meeting the growing demand for new phone numbers.
Kelly Walsh with the Canadian Numbering Administrator says the addition of a new area code creates millions of additional phone numbers
Emergency Communications Professionals of BC said in a news release that staffing shortages have forced call takers to work "well beyond" their normal hours, which it believes is unsustainable. The temporary provisions are set to expire Sept. 21, while the added mental health supports end in December, the union said.
“Based on the information collected so far, there is no question the driver of the SUV knew he hit the dog and its owner,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “Luckily the owner suffered only minor injuries, but the loss of one-and-a-half-year-old Tobi has been devastating for the family.”
It says starting at the end of November 2023, Canadians will be able to call 988 to be connected to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge. The Public Health Agency of Canada will decide which group will provide the service, along with the scope of care it will offer.
The motorcyclist, a man in his eighties from the Kamloops area, died as a result of the collision. The driver of the van, a man in his seventies from the East Kootenays, was not injured in the crash, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
On August 26, 2022, a 54-year-old woman was arrested and the Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in the Cloverdale area. The suspect was later released pending further investigation.
Coquitlam RCMP are continuing with investigative efforts to locate 25yr old male Arjun Purewal who is wanted for Breaching his Release Order. He is South Asian with black hair and brown eyes.