Vancouver approves zoning updates for Villages initiative

Vancouver City Council has approved zoning and building updates to implement its plan for Villages in the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan. 

Villages, as envisioned in the Vancouver Plan, are areas centred on existing small retail clusters close to transit that will gradually transform into vibrant neighbourhoods with homes, shops, public spaces and jobs.

Transit-oriented communities

The approved zoning and building updates help move this vision forward for the Villages in the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan.

Key changes to implement Villages

• More housing options near transit and shopping areas by changing zoning to allow townhouses and low-rise apartments. Building heights will generally range up to four storeys for strata, six storeys for rental, or eight storeys for below-market rental or social housing
• Support for local jobs by allowing taller industrial buildings where underground construction is not possible
• Stronger protections for Still Creek and local ecosystems through a new Groundwater Protection Area in the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) that restricts underground structures for developments within the designated area
• Simpler, clearer rules for landscaping and setbacks, making development applications simpler and more predictable. 

“We’re really excited about the future of the Rupert and Renfrew Station areas,” said mayor Ken Sim. “This is one of Vancouver’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods and these updates help turn that growth into a complete, transit-oriented community with more housing options, support for local jobs and stronger protections for Still Creek.”

These changes are part of the City’s broader effort to make development easier and deliver housing and amenities where they’re needed most. The City will continue exploring low-rise mixed-use opportunities in the Rupert and Renfrew Station areas, with a follow-up report expected later this year.