Vancouver Council rejects Villages Plan after public pushback
Posted July 29, 2026 7:30 am.
Last Updated July 29, 2026 7:31 am.
The Villages Plan is officially off the table after Vancouver City Council voted to reject the proposal.
The plan would have introduced new planning policies and zoning changes, aimed at allowing more housing in 17 neighbourhood village areas across the city. But after extensive public hearings, councillors voted against moving it forward due to a massive wave of public opposition.
“It was very upsetting to a lot of residents across the city, because what it essentially did was tell them what they were or were not permitted to do on their property,” said Coun. Sarah Kirby Young.
“Sometimes policies come forward you have to look at them thoughtfully, and we listened to the public,” said Coun. Mike Klassen.
“The public told us very clearly that they said this is not the right fit for our city.”
Over 200 registered speakers filled council chambers over the last few weeks, raising concerns about neighbourhood character, infrastructure, and traffic. Coun. Pete Fry says the decision was made with October’s election right around the corner.
“That’s a convenient excuse, but the reality is that there was just too much anger in a certain electorate that they were hoping to court,” Fry said.
The only councillor who voted in favour of the project was Lucy Maloney. The One City councillor tried to salvage parts of the plan by recommending a pilot project for five Villages, while also tabling more public consultation. However, that was voted down by ABC.
“It’s a shame that the majority on council didn’t recognize, earlier on, that they wouldn’t be supporting this,” Maloney said.
With the plan defeated, no zoning changes will move ahead in the 17 Village areas. Supporters say it’s a missed opportunity to add more housing, while opponents call it a victory for public input and neighbourhood concerns.
