Vancouver Plan implementation hits major milestones this year
Today, City Council received a report highlighting significant progress in implementing the Vancouver Plan, reflecting the City’s commitment to addressing housing needs, advancing climate action and supporting economic vitality.
“The Vancouver Plan is about creating a city where people can thrive,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “This progress report celebrates our efforts to streamline housing approvals, align with regional transit priorities and foster complete, livable neighbourhoods. By continuing to listen to residents and our business community, we’re ensuring that Vancouver reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who call this city home.”
Adopted in 2022 following an extensive public engagement process, the Vancouver Plan serves as a unified roadmap for the city’s future. It focuses on the “Three Big Ideas” that emerged from public input: equitable housing and complete neighbourhoods, an economy that works for all, and climate protection and restored ecosystems.
“Through the implementation of the Vancouver Plan, we’re tackling some of the biggest challenges our city faces,” said Josh White, General Manager of Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability. “This is about creating meaningful change—whether it’s addressing housing affordability, advancing climate action, or supporting vibrant neighbourhoods. We’re committed to delivering results that make Vancouver a better place for everyone.”
Key highlights from 2024
- Adopted the Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) By-law and the TOA Rezoning Policy, prioritizing diverse housing options near transit hubs and aligning with provincial legislation.
- Published first annual Provincial Housing Targets Report, which highlighted the completion of 4,143 new housing units this year despite economic challenges and a slowdown in housing starts post-pandemic.
- Initiated public engagement for key areas, including the Villages Area Planning and Rupert Renfrew Station Area Plan. Engagement for the Villages Planning Program is currently underway. Members of the public are invited to complete the survey before January 3, 2025.
- Launched Vancouver’s Social Housing Initiative, which aims to make it faster and easier for non-profits to get approvals for social housing projects.
- Simplified development guidelines to enable more housing while balancing livability by modernizing public view and solar access policies, as part of a larger effort.
- Supporting Entrepreneurs with Home-Based Business by allowing more than one business in a dwelling unit, on-site sales and allowing customers by appointment and employees.
Next steps
Staff are currently working towards turning the Vancouver Plan into Vancouver’s City-wide Official Development Plan (ODP). The Citywide ODP will be the city’s blueprint for guiding how Vancouver will grow and change over time, touching on everything from homes to businesses to parks and public spaces. It will ensure that new development supports the needs of Vancouver residents and aligns with the goals of Metro 2050. A draft ODP will be shared in late 2025.
Additionally, work to increase hotel supply is underway and will be presented to Council in spring 2025.
Background
The Vancouver Plan is the City's first unified, citywide land-use vision, designed to create a more livable, affordable, and sustainable urban environment for all residents. Adopted by City Council in July 2022, the Plan is guided by its foundational principles of Reconciliation, equity and resilience, and reflects input from those who live, work and play in Vancouver. This includes input from youth, Indigenous communities and groups often underrepresented in city planning.
With implementation already underway, the Vancouver Plan is paving the way for a future that meets the needs of Vancouver’s diverse communities while preparing the city for the challenges of tomorrow.
For more information about implementation of the Vancouver Plan, please visit: www.vancouverplan.ca.