Quebecer buying phone in neighbor Ottawa? | Technical service details | Consumer forum

would there be any complication if I just crossed the bridge to get the phone?

Not really a complication, but if you prefer, after you have the phone you could call SO CS and ask them to assign you a new number with 819 area code.

Calls to/from Ottawa are not long distance, but I'd have the Ottawa 613 area code. Does it matter?

With SO all calls with 613 and 819 are considered local to you. Of course someone who calls you may be charged LD by their carrier. That's why I suggested you may prefer an 819 number.

Here's a grid that shows what are local calls by area code.