Vancouver is set to create its first-ever city-wide Official Development Plan (ODP) by June 2026, as directed by recent provincial legislation. The initial ODP will be adopted by this deadline, with a permanent version required by June 2030. This plan will guide urban planning, land use, growth, and development for the next 20 to 30 years.
The ODP will include various land uses (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), infrastructure planning, public facility locations, housing policies, and greenhouse gas emission targets. Importantly, proposals aligning with the ODP will bypass public hearings for rezonings aimed at increasing residential space.
Vancouver’s existing Vancouver Plan, established in July 2022 after extensive public consultation, will serve as the foundation for the ODP. This plan, costing around $9 million, outlines a vision for the city’s future and will be enhanced to meet new provincial requirements without additional funding.
The ODP will not replace existing area plans but will coexist to provide detailed guidance for specific neighborhoods. The first significant step under this new framework will be developing the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, with a draft expected this summer and final approval by the end of 2024.
