Vancouver council faces a crowded summer agenda

Vancouver city council is heading into a busy few weeks before its August break and the fall election, with several major planning and spending decisions on the agenda. One key item is the city’s proposed “villages” plan, which would rezone 17 neighbourhood areas to allow more housing density, including apartment buildings of up to six storeys in some places. The proposal has drawn strong public response, with many written comments opposing it and critics warning about infrastructure and service pressures. Supporters say it would expand housing options in residential areas. Councillors are also expected to weigh whether to send a rezoning application from Holborn Group to public hearing. The proposal includes three towers downtown, one of which would rise to 315 metres and become Western Canada’s tallest hotel, along with a fourth social housing tower in Gastown. Alongside those planning issues, council must approve a fouryear capital plan before the election. The plan includes funding for road, sidewalk and sewer work, bridge upgrades, community centre renovations and a new firehall, as the city says it faces a large infrastructure funding gap and aging assets.