Following a public hearing process, Vancouver City Council has approved the city’s first-ever Vancouver Official Development Plan (ODP) , establishing a clear, citywide framework that will guide future land-use decisions and city-building over the next 30 years and beyond. 

“This is a defining moment for Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The Vancouver ODP ensures growth happens thoughtfully and in a coordinated way so we can deliver more housing, support a strong local economy, and build complete, connected neighbourhoods. It’s about making sure our city continues to meet the needs of the people who live and work here," he added.

Providing clarity in land use

The Vancouver ODP provides residents, businesses and developers with more clarity and certainty on how different neighbourhoods will grow over time. It includes maps and policies that show where housing, job space, parks, schools, and public facilities could go, helping ensure growth is coordinated with the development of infrastructure and amenities. 

“The Vancouver ODP connects long-term vision with day-to-day decision-making,” said Josh White, General Manager of Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability. “With clear direction established up front, we can move away from case-by-case policy decisions and focus on implementation, reviewing applications more efficiently and providing greater certainty across the planning system.” 

The Vancouver ODP will be adopted by by-law and become the primary land use policy guiding future city building decisions. This means all future development applications will need to be consistent with the Vancouver ODP.  

Turning the Vancouver Plan into the Vancouver ODP 

The Vancouver ODP is the next step in implementing the Vancouver Plan (2022) , which was developed through extensive public and stakeholder engagement. While the Vancouver Plan sets out the long-term direction for how the city will grow, the Vancouver ODP embeds that vision into clear land-use rules for sites across the city. It includes all content from the Vancouver Plan, with updates to reflect Council-approved priorities and provincial requirements.

Implementing the ODP

The ODP itself does not rezone any properties. Instead, it provides the policy foundation for future decisions.  

The ODP will be implemented over time through area plans, city and privately-initiated rezoning applications and future infrastructure planning and investments. Area plans will continue to shape neighbourhood-specific detail, ensuring growth responds to each neighbourhood’s unique context and identity. 

Under the Province’s Vancouver Charter amendments, brought forward through Bill 18 (2024), projects that are consistent with the ODP and include at least 50% residential floor area are prohibited from holding a public hearing. This change will help speed up the approval of new housing while maintaining other opportunities for the public to provide input during the rezoning process.

The ODP will be reviewed in 2030 and every five years after to ensure it continues to respond to emerging challenges, housing needs, and community priorities. The City will provide updates as implementation of the Vancouver ODP progresses.