07/28/2026
Council was overwhelmed with registered speakers, letters and emails, most voicing opposition to what many saw as an attempt to force fit retail and potentially inappropriate density into neighbourhoods, risking erosion of existing and organic communities. In my neighbourhood a key issue was not so much additional density but the freeze on existing housing stock to add laneways and/or suites with zoning that would preclude these options for multi-generational living and “gentle density”. A further concern was a lack of focus on critical neighbourhood amenities such as schools, community centres and libraries.
During today’s debate and discussion, Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC Vancouver governing majority asserted that they would not support the Villages Plan in response to public feedback, including concerns relating to new restrictions over how some lots could be changed or redeveloped. They also suggested that there was a need for significantly more public consultation for the plan’s implications.
“This plan did not strike the right balance between housing growth, implementation, infrastructure and community confidence,” said Sim before voting against it.
The mayor said residents generally recognized the need for more housing, but raised legitimate concerns about the scale and pace of change, neighbourhood fit, infrastructure capacity, and how the plan would be implemented.
To view the 325 pages + plan and discussion papers go to https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/villages
