The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service provides high-quality, locally-tailored options to strengthen housing and infrastructure across Canada.

Participants are matched with a Roster Expert who provides cost-efficient, practical options to integrate low-carbon resilience into local housing and infrastructure projects. Communities leave with guidance and next steps to reduce costs, protect their assets from climate hazards, and extend the lifespan of their buildings and facilities, water systems, roadways, housing, and more.

The CRIS is administered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada. The service is a part of the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure.

How the CRIS Works

Submit a Service Request
Eligible local governments, communities, and organizations register a housing or infrastructure project for CRIS support.
Get Your Expert Match
If accepted, the CRIS team works with participants to match the project with a Roster Expert and develop objectives.
Receive an Options Report
The expert produces an Options Report to guide project forward to align with funding pathways and participant goals.
Strengthen Your Project
Participants review and implement options to make their housing and infrastructure more efficient, cost-effective, and climate ready.

"We are so happy with CRIS engagement! We would not be able to do this work without a program such as this.  We do not have the staffing capacity or engineering expertise to do this within our municipality. This study will provide us with a roadmap on how to improve our recreation facilities by applying for other grants, outlining end of life of equipment, support GHG for our community and will support us with our asset management and capital budget planning."

Nicole Beauregard
Nicole Beauregard Director of Recreation and Community Service, Prince Rupert, British Columbia

"The CRIS project helped my municipality by giving us some different options and cost estimates for implementation of a outdoor sports facility building. The project looked at the best options for a three season facility which included washrooms, change rooms, a canteen and storage building, and what options could be done to be economically responsible during the plan design stage."

Jake Morassut
Jake Morassut Director, Community Services, Town of Essex, Ontario

"Our CRIS project produced valuable results, supported by a collaborative team that ensured a positive experience. We move forward with a clear direction and an actionable plan."

Donna Neath
Donna Neath CAO Assistant, Town of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

"As a small municipality, applying a climate lens of this extent to a major infrastructure project is fairly new for us. The CRIS was an excellent resources for the town and ensures that this and future infrastructure projects that we undertake will be subject to a thorough climate review."

Kerry Murray
Kerry Murray Director of Economic Development, Town of Torbay, Newfoundland

"The CRIS program was fantastic, streamlined intake process, with flexible committed support from the CRIS team and a great roster expert that went above and beyond to provide us with actionable, locally relevant guidance and insights."

Linda Scott Swanston
Linda Scott Swanston Manager, Climate Change Initiatives, Grey County, Ontario

As a rural First Nation we face a distinct set of problems, CRIS was happy to work with us in addressing the unique challenges faced by our community.

Brett Chernoff
Brett Chernoff Acting Director of Lands and Resources, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, British Columbia

Get involved:

Submit a Service Request

If you have an eligible housing or infrastructure project planned or in progress, CRIS can match your team with an expert or firm to identify, assess, and evaluate options for climate mitigation and adaptation. Check your eligibility and learn how to submit your project below.

Join a Cohort

CRIS Cohorts group participants with similar project types, mitigation goals, or climate challenges. Participants receive a one-on-one expert match and technical options report for their project, alongside opportunities to join expert-led webinars and peer learning sessions.

Who we've worked with so far

Communities across Canada
Climate and Infrastructure Experts
of projects serve populations under 5,000

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service is a part of the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure

The Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure is a suite of resources supporting local governments in achieving Canada's 2030 emissions reduction goals and delivering against adaptation commitments found in the National Adaptation Strategy and the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan.

Building house

Still have questions?

Have questions about the Service? Check out our FAQ or reach out at climateready@canurb.org

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service is a national project connecting local governments with climate experts to enhance their infrastructure projects' low-carbon climate resilience. It's part of the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure, a suite of resources supporting local governments in achieving Canada's 2030 emissions reduction goals and delivering against adaptation commitments found in the National Adaptation Strategy and the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan.

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service is administered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada.

Local governments who participate will gain access to specialized technical expert advice and guidance, which will enhance their ability to make informed decisions on incorporating low-carbon resilience into their infrastructure projects. This support will lead to more effective, sustainable project outcomes, better alignment with climate targets, and increased resilience to current and future climate challenges.

Climate experts gain valuable professional development by working on diverse, impactful projects that enhance their portfolios. They receive financial compensation based on project scope and duration, and have the opportunity to expand their network with municipal leaders and fellow professionals. Participation also provides access to advanced resources and tools, enhances their recognition and credibility, and allows for flexible engagement based on their availability. Overall, experts contribute to meaningful climate action while advancing their own careers.