Villages: more retail, up to six storeys
Part of the Vancouver Plan
Summary of the city’s “villages” proposal: shapeyourcity.ca/villages
Low-density residential areas, with small amount of retail at intersection
Allow more shops and services
Allow housing up to six storeys nearby
The draft plan is expected in Q1 2026, with approval by council in Q2 2026.
Comparison to the draft map for the Vancouver Plan. The “village” areas are places that aren’t on major transit corridors.
More
City of Vancouver begins planning process for 17 new Village areas. Kenneth Chan, Daily Hive.
City of Vancouver to Advance ‘Villages’ Planning Program. David Taylor, Vancouver Market.
Vancouver’s plan to create urban villages has some residents anxious. Kerry Gold, Globe and Mail.
From attending one of the info sessions, the Built Form policy ("Allow a variety of mixed-use low-rise buildings and detached and low-rise housing, particularly multiplexes and townhouses, between 3 to 6 storeys.") could end up being implemented by limiting heights away from major streets or the centre of the village areas. Including in your feedback that 6 storeys (and single egress stair on existing lots) should be allowed throughout the village areas could counter the feedback they are surely getting from people who want to see minimal change.
Interesting, seems heavily inspired by Seattle’s urban villages plan