VANCOUVER City Council on Tuesday rejected the proposed Villages Planning Program after determining that it did not provide the right balance between long-term planning, implementation, infrastructure, and community confidence. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said Council’s decision reflects its responsibility to make practical, evidence-based decisions that put Vancouver residents first. “Vancouverites should be the ones deciding what happens with their property, not City Hall,” said Sim. Throughout the planning process, Council heard from hundreds of residents, businesses, community organizations, and housing advocates. Council also approved amendments to introduce Single Egress Stair (SES) buildings independently of the broader Villages proposal.