Climate and Infrastructure Expert Intake

The CRIS is launching a Request for Proposals from members of the CRIS Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts to develop approaches to support communities with climate expertise

Call for Proposals: Expert Led Cohorts and Innovative Project Delivery

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) is seeking proposals from current members of the CRIS Roster of Experts interested in leading innovative CRIS delivery approaches to support communities with climate expertise. These approaches can include cohorts, themed calls, workshops and other approaches that meet the aims of the CRIS program*.   

The CRIS provides free, fixed-term expert support to local governments and band/tribal councils of small communities with infrastructure projects that are planned or underway. The service identifies, assesses, and evaluates practical options for climate mitigation and adaptation tailored to community needs.  

For example, during 2025, CRIS worked with partner non-profit organizations to host 5 cohorts that delivered CRIS services to groups of communities based on shared project type, climate hazard, or challenge. These included providing technical support for Fire Hall upgrades in B.C., climate resilient Reception Centres in P.E.I., and Ice rink retrofits in SK. Participants benefitted from expert-led informational webinars and peer learning discussions, alongside individual technical services from CRIS Roster Experts. To learn more about cohorts, visit: https://climatereadycanada.ca/cohorts 

The cohort pilots demonstrated the benefits of peer learning and alternative approaches to delivering CRIS services.  

The CRIS is seeking proposals from approved Roster members for new expert-led services and delivery approaches.

Core CRIS project eligibility criteria remain:  

1. The project is related to an individual infrastructure asset such as:

• Bridges, Major Culverts, and Dams
• Coastal Shoreline Management
• Engineered Wetlands and Marshes
• Fire and Emergency Facilities
• Fleets
• Green Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions
• Heavy Equipment
• Housing
• Municipal Buildings and Facilities
• Parks and Trails
• Potable Water Treatment and Distribution Systems
• Roads, Sidewalks, and Active Transportation
• Solid Waste, Landfills, and Incinerators
• Sports Facilities
• Stormwater Management Systems
• Transit (including buses)
• Wastewater Treatment Facilities

2. The project serves a jurisdiction with a population of approximately 30,000 or less.

3. The project is a demonstrated priority for the local government or band council. Documented proof of this is required and could take the form of an official strategic document (e.g., capital plan, asset management plan, OCP) or formal acknowledgement from a senior authority from your community (e.g., Chief Administrative Officer, band council, housing board of directors). 

CRIS will provide the intake forms for local governments and execute all contracting directly with Roster Experts for expert led engagements. 

Submit a Proposal:

Proposals should be submitted in the form of a short document including the following components: 

1. A description of the proposed services, deliverables and demonstration of the alignment with CRIS  
2. Proposed number of local governments to be served, geographic region and population range (if applicable).
3. Proposed budget  

Proposals can be submitted by email to climateready@canurb.org with the subject line: RFP: Expert Led Project Delivery. These submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and evaluated for budget and cost feasibility and alignment with the aims of the CRIS. Proposals will be reviewed and refined in collaboration with the Roster member.