BC adds area code
In response to the increasing demand for new phone numbers in British Columbia, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is adding a new area code for the province. Beginning June 1, the new area code, 236, will ensure BC residents and businesses continue to have enough phone numbers.
Residents do not need to change their existing phone number and in areas where there is still a sufficient supply of 604, 778 and 250 numbers, they will continue to be given out as long as they are available. Where they are no longer available or where a customer chooses, after June 1, residents and businesses receiving a new phone number may get one with the 236 code. Timing and availability of phone numbers with the new area code will vary by community, depending on the local inventory and demand.
The geographic boundaries that govern long-distance calling will not be affected. As well, three-digit numbers, such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 emergency services, will not be affected.
The Western Telecommunications Alliance, a group of Canada’s major telecommunications companies, is working to inform all customers and businesses about the additional area code. To ensure a seamless transition to adding the new area code, businesses are encouraged to begin making any necessary changes right away by reprogramming communications systems and equipment. For example, businesses that restrict long-distance calls will need to reprogram their equipment to accept the 236 area code as local. Residential customers will not need to make any changes to their equipment.
Street vending
City of Powell River officials are holding a public hearing about an amendment to the zoning bylaw that expands the number of locations where street vending will be allowed. The hearing is being held at 6 pm on Thursday, May 16, in council chambers at city hall.
The proposed bylaw adds four new city-owned locations for street vending. They are: the west side of Marine Avenue north of Abbotsford Street, across from the Powell River Historical Museum and Archives; two sites at the Wharf at Westview, adjacent to the wharfinger’s building and at the northern edge of the grassy area; and the Mowat Bay parking lot.
The amendment allows two street vending carts in the parking lot south of Willingdon Beach, one cart at each location at the Wharf at Westview and two carts at Mowat Bay.
As well, the city is proposing to charge street vending operators $200 a month and they must have a valid business licence.
Talent search
Musicians, filmmakers, photographers and chefs from across the province are invited to apply to take part in BC Day celebrations in Victoria this August.
The Provincial Capital Commission’s Celebrate BC Day event on Monday, August 5, will welcome an anticipated 10,000 spectators for a day of free, family-friendly entertainment and activities at St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site on Humboldt Street.
Applications from residents of all BC communities will be accepted in four areas: music, food, film and photography. The goal is to provide a cross-regional representation of the arts and cultural sectors.
Interested readers who would like to make an application have until June 15. Submissions are currently being accepted on the Celebrate BC website.
