How do Cohorts work?

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) helps local governments, municipalities, and Indigenous communities work with climate and infrastructure experts to find practical solutions for making their infrastructure projects more sustainable. Our Cohort model brings together communities facing similar challenges—whether it’s climate hazards like flooding or wildfires, or infrastructure issues like aging facilities that need upgrades—with trusted place-based project partners and experts from our Roster.

Cohort participants get free, tailored one-on-one support and take part in peer learning sessions that help them explore solutions, make progress on their projects, and get ready for future funding opportunities.

Join a Cohort

Our cohorts are organized by geographic region and topic. Discover our ongoing cohorts below:

Ice Rink Upgrades Cohort (SK)
Fire Department Cohort (BC)
Reception Centres Cohort (P.E.I.)
OPEN: Low Carbon Cohort (AB)
OPEN: Coastal Resilience Cohort (NL)

What You'll Gain from Joining a CRIS Cohort

Free One-to-one Expert Advice
Up to 60 hours of personalized expert support to identify and plan impactful climate mitigation projects.
Peer-Learning Opportunities
Virtual peer learning opportunities to connect with other communities tackling similar challenges.
Understanding Your Options
Strategic alignment with potential future funding opportunities to help your project succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cohorts

Explore our FAQs to find everything you need to know about joining a cohort and how to get involved.

Each participating government receives:

  • Up to 60 hours of personalized expert support to identify retrofit options, and plan for low-carbon, resilient upgrades.*
  • Virtual peer learning sessions with other local government representatives working on similar projects.
  • A technical options report to help bridge the gap between planning and implementation.
  • Support in aligning your project with potential future funding opportunities. 

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service is open to Indigenous Governing Bodies, First Nation, Inuit or Metis government or authorities, and local governments from across Canada that:

  • Have a population of under or around 30, 000 inhabitants.
  • Have a planned or in-progress public infrastructure or housing project. To be eligible, your project must either have Council approval and/or be included in a multi-year capital plan.

Our Cohorts are often designed with our regional partners to serve their membership in certain provinces or territories. Discover our current cohort opportunities above to find out how you can register for support. 

No. Participation in the CRIS Cohort Program is fully funded through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS), which is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada. There is no cost to local governments. 

Cohorts typically operate over 16-week periods with varying involvement. Participants should be prepared to: 

  • Attend a kickoff session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes)
  • Engage in one-on-one expert meetings (meet 2 times with expert to support expert technical analysis)
  • Join 2 mid-point peer learning session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes)
  • Participate in a wrap-up session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes) 
    All other work is completed directly between the municipality and their assigned expert. 

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

Don't fit into our current cohort offerings?

If you have an infrastructure project that you want free expert advice and technical options for, register to be matched one-on-one with an expert from your area.

Register your project