A new phone service is coming to Grey and Bruce counties.

211 is a three digit phone number providing free, confidential, multilingual access to information about community, social, health and government services. Executive Director of Community Connection in Collingwood, Pamela Hillier, says all 211 calls will be answered by certified information specialists, who assess each caller's needs and link them to the best available services and programs.

Hillier says 211 is a partnership between the provincial government, United Way and various service providers. 211 offers a single point of access for anyone seeking information about non-emergency social, health or human services. Hillier says this new service will benefit everyone. Right now Toronto is the only place in Ontario that has the 211 service. Edmonton and Calgary also have 211 services. Hillier hopes to have the 211 service launched in the Town of the Blue Mountains by November 2nd. She expects within three years, all of the Grey and Bruce counties will have the service. There will be 5 to 8 call centres across Ontario, with one of the call centres in Collingwood.