Alberta Climate Resilience Cohort
Free expert support, peer learning, and tailored guidance to advance climate‑resilient infrastructure projects.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: AUGUST 31 2026
The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) invite Alberta communities and nonprofit housing providers to participate in a new Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) cohort. This initiative supports local governments in advancing climate‑resilient infrastructure and housing projects that address priority climate risks through expert guidance and collaborative learning.
What You’ll Gain
- Up to 60 hours of tailored expert support to identify, scope, and integrate climate resilience into infrastructure and housing projects
- Virtual peer learning sessions with Alberta communities addressing similar climate risks
- Strategic alignment with future funding opportunities to support project readiness and success
Project Focus
Projects supported through this cohort must focus on one or more of the following climate risks:
- Wildfire or wildfire smoke
- Extreme heat
- Drought
Submission Criteria
To be eligible for this cohort, projects must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible infrastructure assets must be owned and operated by a local government, municipality, band council, other indigenous local governing body, or by a non-profit organization that is delivering infrastructure services in partnership with a local government, and serve a population of 30,000 or less
- Eligible Housing Projects and Portfolios must be owned and operated by either:
- a local government, municipality, band council, other indigenous local governing body
- a non-profit, co-operative, and municipal housing organization or a non-profit organization delivering community housing services
- The infrastructure or housing project is identified in a capital, operational, or asset management plan, or has formal acknowledgement as a priority from a senior authority, and project teams are seeking to incorporate climate resilience into the project
- Projects are located in Alberta
- Project teams can commit to a 12 to 16 week virtual cohort, including expert‑led sessions and peer learning activities
How to Submit
- Submit a simple CRIS service request form by August 31, 2026. No lengthy applications required. Submit here
- Participation is limited and reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis
- By continuing participation, successful applicants agree to the cohort Terms of Reference provided by MCCAC
For full details, please review the Program Guidebook here.
Scoping Support
Scoping support is available to help communities define an eligible project and prepare a strong CRIS service request. MCCAC offers pre‑application support to help clarify priority climate risks, identify an appropriate project scope, and understand what CRIS can provide, reducing barriers for communities with limited internal capacity. Please reach out to contact@mccac.ca for scoping support.
The Alberta Climate Resilience Cohort is offered in partnership with the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre as part of the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada. The MCCAC is a collaborative initiative of Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.
About the Alberta Climate Resilience Cohort
No. Participation in the Alberta Climate Resilience Cohort is fully funded through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) program, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada.
Each participating community can receive up to 60 hours of tailored expert support. This support may include climate risk and vulnerability assessment, identification of adaptation options, and high‑level guidance to support project planning and decision‑making.
Eligible projects must focus on one or more priority climate risks: wildfire or wildfire smoke, extreme heat, or drought. Projects should involve infrastructure or housing assets that are planned or in progress and identified as a community priority.
The cohort is delivered over approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Participants should expect to attend a virtual kickoff session, three expert‑led webinars, three peer learning sessions, and engage in one‑on‑one expert meetings. Additional work is coordinated directly between participants and their assigned expert.
The Alberta Climate Resilience Cohort is delivered entirely virtually to maximize accessibility for communities across Alberta. Sessions include expert‑led webinars, facilitated peer learning, and direct engagement with CRIS roster experts.
Interested communities submit a simple CRIS service request form before August 31, 2026. Submissions are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and participation is limited. By continuing participation, successful applicants agree to the cohort’s Terms of Reference.
Learn More about Cohorts
Interested in getting involved in a CRIS Cohort in your province or territory? Learn about our other ongoing cohort opportunities offered with trusted national partners.
