Free expert support, peer learning, and tailored guidance to accelerate your climate mitigation projects.

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) invite Alberta communities to join a new Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) cohort. This initiative supports local governments in advancing low-carbon infrastructure projects through expert guidance and collaborative learning. 

What You’ll Gain 

  • Up to 60 hours of personalized expert support to identify and plan impactful climate mitigation projects.
  • Virtual peer learning sessions with other Alberta municipalities tackling similar challenges.
  • Strategic alignment with potential future funding opportunities to help your project succeed. 

Submission Criteria 

Eligible local governments must: 

  • Serve a population of approximately 30,000 or less in Alberta.
  • Have a project identified in a capital, operational, or asset management plan.
  • Commit to a 12–16 week virtual cohort including expert-led sessions and peer activities. 

How to Submit 

  • Submit a simple service request form by October 15, 2025 — no lengthy applications required. Submit here
  • First-come, first served with limited spots available — don’t miss your chance to participate!
  • Sign a Letter of Commitment provided by the MCCAC to formalize your participation in the cohort. 

The Alberta Low Carbon Cohort is offered in partnership with MCCAC as part of the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS), delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a collaborative initiative of Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Government of Alberta. 

Join the Alberta Low Carbon Cohort

About the Alberta Low Carbon Cohort

Explore our FAQs to find everything you need to know about the Alberta Low Carbon cohort, delivered by CRIS and MCCAC.
Ready to get started? Sign up here

No. Participation is completely free for eligible local governments. The Alberta Low Carbon 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 will receive tailored support from MCCAC, CUI, and a CRIS Roster Expert. This may include: 

  • Scoping and early-stage design advice for your project 
  • Identifying low-carbon and resilient retrofit opportunities 
  • Guidance on funding readiness and next steps 
  • Completion of a community-specific deliverable to support project implementation 

Projects must focus on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Examples include: 

  • Evaluating options for buildings and facilities retrofits 
  • Evaluating options for renewable energy installation 
  • Evaluating options for fleet electrification for municipal fleets and electric vehicle charging infrastructure 

The cohort will run from October 2025 through March 2026 (up to 20 weeks). Participants should be prepared to: 

  • Attend a virtual kickoff session 
  • Participate in project scoping activities, as needed 
  • Join three expert led webinars 
  • Collaborate in two working group meetings 
  • All other work is coordinated directly between the community and their assigned expert. 

The entire cohort is delivered virtually to maximize flexibility and minimize time away from day-to-day operations. 

Simply complete this short service request form in as little as 15 minutes: Submit here

It’s a simple, fast process — no lengthy applications required! 

Submission Deadline: October 15th
Space is limited — don’t miss your opportunity! 

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.

CRIS Cohorts