The CRIS is a national initiative connecting participants with top climate experts to support the integration of low-carbon resilience into local housing and infrastructure projects. It's part of the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure, a suite of resources supporting infrastructure owners and decision-makers in developing projects that build resilience and contribute to Canada's path to net-zero emissions.

The Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure (CTHI) is a set of three resources designed to support municipalities in developing climate-resilient infrastructure. These resources include the Help Desk by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, the Climate Insight Tool from ICLEI, and the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service from the Canadian Urban Institute. Combined, they facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building, broadening access to climate expertise across the country.

The CRIS is managed by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), a leading organization that promotes urban solutions in partnership with city builders, researchers, and community leaders across Canada.  

The CRIS is funded by the Government of Canada.

Climate-based projects enhance resilience against disasters, reduce long-term costs, and protect environmental resources. They also improve city attractiveness and livability, provide access to funding opportunities, and support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through sustainable stewardship of the land.  

The Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts is a curated list of experts sourced through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service to be made available for infrastructure projects. 

Experts provide essential technical advice and guidance to CRIS participants, helping them integrate low-carbon and climate resilience considerations into their infrastructure projects. By participating in the program, experts contribute to meaningful climate action, enhance their professional visibility, and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, ultimately supporting the achievement of Canada’s climate goals.  Experts produce Options Reports that are unique and tailored to the participating community. These can include:

  1. Technical design options
  2. Energy use assessment (ASHRAE Level 1 or 2, Decarbonization Pathways)
  3. Climate hazard identification and analysis
  4. Cost estimates (Class D, Order of Magnitude, Project Dependent)
  5. Overview of how this project will fit into your policies and practices 

The matching process for municipalities will focus on key areas of expertise, roster standing, and consideration for comparable projects completed in the region or a similar region. The matching process is designed to support cross-pollination, capacity building, and provide the best quality of expertise to local governments. Rates are considered in the matching process in addition to expertise, geography, and previous performance. 

There is no cost to participate in the program. Participation in the program, including access to experts through the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts, is offered as an in-kind service to eligible participants. No direct funding or financial support is provided through this program.  

The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service works with professionals who are experienced and currently practicing in a defined asset, infrastructure and/or climate field for which they have a combination of domain specific qualifications and experience (e.g., degree background and professional certification, standards certification). A fully qualified Roster Expert has demonstrated professional experience in integrating climate mitigation and/or risk management into their practice, and ideally has certifications related to their area of climate expertise (e.g. LEED accreditation, ISI Envision certification). 

Learn more about eligibility requirements and register to join here.

The Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts will have intake periods to accept submissions. To join the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts during an open intake period, complete the registration form which includes:  

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Documentation of professional certifications
  • Examples of relevant completed project work
  • Professional references
  • Information regarding availability (e.g., hours/month, geographic area)

Upon review of an application by a member of the CRIS Team, an online interview or follow-up questions may be conducted. To follow the project and be the first to know when Expert Intakes open, sign up for the CRIS newsletter and find us on LinkedIn.

Intake for the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts is currently closed. Check back for updates and intake deadlines on the Expert Registration Page

For the latest news and to be the first to know about the next application window, sign up for the CRIS newsletter and follow along on Instagram.

Once you have registered to join the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts, the CRIS team will review your submission and contact you by email with your approval status.

Upon approval, the Expert is added to the public Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts, including on the CRIS website, and is ready to be considered for matching to approved projects. Once a match has been made, a scope of work is finalized which outlines the deliverables and timeline, and a work order is signed between the Roster Expert and the local government to begin the engagement. Upon completion of the assignment, the roster expert, along with the local jurisdiction, are expected to complete a project completion survey. 

Roster members are encouraged to invite their municipal clients to register eligible municipal infrastructure projects online.

Yes, organizations of all sizes are strongly encouraged to join the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts. The CRIS will match your expertise with local government projects that need support in integrating climate resilience into their infrastructure planning. 

The time commitment for the CRIS varies by project. Experts indicate their availability in the registration process, and projects typically range from 60 hours over six months to longer-term engagements depending on the project scope.

Changes to availability will be handled case-by-case. Commitments are expected to be met as per the established contract, but accommodations may be made in exceptional circumstances.

Yes, financial compensation is provided, with rates based on project scope, duration, expertise required, and hours committed.

Experts may need to be available during regular working hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), particularly during key stages of project planning and coordination.

Experts register through our online portal, are notified of approval, and matched to a project. They then receive a project brief, discuss details with the municipal lead, and finalize the contract. After onboarding, the project work commences according to the contract.

Experience: Due to the infrastructure-related and project-based nature of infrastructure projects we receive from the municipalities, CRIS generally requires experts with specialized and technical experience in areas such as Engineering & Building Sciences, Climate & Environmental Science, Energy & Sustainability, Planning & Spatial Analysis; within one or more asset classes (eg: municipal buildings & facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, coastal shorelines & management, etc); and across one or more climate hazard or climate change mitigation solution (eg: permafrost thaw, wildfire, inland flooding, etc.). 

Contract: Once matched with a project, experts must sign a Standing Offer Contract and abide by the terms set out in the contract. 

Insurance: Experts must also have commercial general liability insurance of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and provide CUI with a certificate of insurance in accordance with the terms outline in the Standing Offer Contract. 

Climate and infrastructure 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.

Participants can register their infrastructure project or housing portfolio through the Registration form, detailing project needs and desired expertise. 

The CRIS provides support to infrastructure projects in local governments, municipalities, and Indigenous communities across the country. We have recently expanded our services to promote climate solutions for affordable housing in response to the rising need across Canada. The CRIS is a low-barrier program designed to build capacity for housing and infrastructure providers. Participants can sign up for support for infrastructure projects or housing projects and portfolios. If you're working on a housing or infrastructure project that is planned or in progress, check your project's eligibility below.

Eligible Infrastructure Project Criteria:  

Ownership: 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 in Canada.  

Project Type: The infrastructure is in one of the following asset classes: 

  • 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    

Population: The project serves a population of approximately 30,000 or less.  

Eligible Example: A regional municipality with a population of > 30,000 whose infrastructure project will serve a Town with a population of < 30,000. 

Project Stage: The infrastructure project should be planned or in progress, beyond just an idea stage. To show that the project is a demonstrated priority for the local government or band council, it should be included in an official strategic document (e.g., capital plan, asset management plan, OCP) or have formal acknowledgement as a priority from a senior authority from your community (e.g., Chief Administrative Officer, band council, housing board of directors).  

Eligible Housing Projects and Portfolios

Ownership: 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  

Population: The Housing Project or Portfolio may serve a community of any size in Canada.  

Project Type: Projects may be a Housing Portfolio, or a single building project. 

Project Stage: The housing project should be planned or in progress, beyond just an idea stage. 

Review the full eligibility requirements and register your project here.

If you are not sure if you meet these criteria or have any questions, please reach out to one of our Portfolio Managers here. 

The individual registering for CRIS must be a part of the team that owns and operates the housing portfolio or infrastructure asset. 

CRIS does not have a competitive application process. It is a free support service available to any eligible registrant, available on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

The intake form is a 10–15-minute commitment. Click here to fill out the form 

If there are any gaps in your application, a CRIS Portfolio Manager will be in touch to get all necessary details to ensure your participation in the program. 

Yes, the CRIS can provide support for housing projects to promote climate solutions for affordable housing in response to the rising need across Canada.

To do so, we have officially opened our eligibility to include non-profit, co-operative, and municipal community housing organizations and non-profit organizations delivering community housing services, who can now access CRIS support for housing projects and portfolios in communities of all sizes.

Find the full CRIS eligibility here: How to Register

The CRIS was designed to provide support to smaller communities in Canada, who do not always have the resources needed to plan for low-carbon climate resilient infrastructure. To meet this mandate, infrastructure projects must serve communities of 30, 000 or less.

Housing projects and portfolios do not have a population cap.

Learn more about the eligibility criteria here.

Yes, all eligible Indigenous leadership bodies are invited to register for project support. As of 2026, the CRIS has worked with 25 Indigenous communities to support low carbon climate resilient projects.

Eligible Indigenous Communities include: 

  • An Indigenous Governing Body, including but not limited to a band council within the meaning of section 2 of the Indian Act.
  • A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government or authority established pursuant to a Self-Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement between His Majesty the King in right of Canada and an Indigenous people of Canada, that has been approved, given effect and declared valid by federal legislation.
  • A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government established by or under legislation whether federal or provincial or territorial that incorporates a governance structure.
  • A not-for-profit organization whose central mandate is to improve Indigenous outcomes; and an Indigenous development corporation. 

Participants 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. Your team will receive a tailored Options Report. 

An Options Report is a practical decision-support document that lays out viable paths forward for a project, compares them, and explains the trade-offs—so you can make informed choices. 

Each report is unique to the project and may include: 

  1. Technical design options
  2. Energy use assessment (ASHRAE Level 1 or 2, Decarbonization Pathways)
  3. Climate hazard identification and analysis
  4. Cost estimates (Class D, Order of Magnitude, Project Dependent)
  5. Overview of how this project will fit into your policies and practices 

CRIS provides participating communities with free consulting services - not capital funding. The CRIS Report can help align your project with funding pathways and inform decision-making.

Unexpected events, such as changes in funding or leadership, will be considered. Capacity building remains a key focus, ensuring that knowledge and skills gained through the program are sustained.

A CRIS Expert engagement can deliver your Option Report in as little as three months. Experts offer specialized support to each project, and the infrastructure or housing project team typically contributes approximately 20 or less hours total. 

Local governments can access the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure, which includes the Climate Insights Tool and support from the Help Desk to guide project proposal development and readiness for expert matching.

You can find all the information you'll need to register a project for the CRIS here, from the eligibility checklist to a preview of the registration form questions. 

Participants can register their infrastructure project or housing portfolio through the online Registration form, detailing project needs and desired expertise. 

The CRIS accepts project submissions on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the fiscal year. The program also offers rotating place-based or thematic Cohorts and Calls for Submissions. Sign up for the CRIS newsletter to receive Calls for Projects directly in your inbox.

Climate and Infrastructure Experts are invited to register during set intake periods throughout the year. To follow the project and be the first to know when Expert Intakes open, sign up for the CRIS newsletter.

Participants register through our CRIS registration form on our website. This is a straightforward process which can take as little as 15 minutes.

If your submission is accepted, you will be notified by email and invited to meet with a CRIS Portfolio Manager to confirm your eligibility, share context on the project background, and determine how a member from the Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts can best support your team. 

Meet our Portfolio Managers Dan and Kiera, along with the rest of the CRIS team, here. 

Throughout the CRIS, you will always work with the same Portfolio Manager. 

CRIS does not have a competitive or lengthy application process. It is a free support service available to any eligible registrant, available on a first-come-first-served basis. The intake form is a 10–15-minute commitment. This will help us understand your project, your goals, and how we can best support your team.

We'll ask for basic information on your project team, community details, and context for the project. Participants will be asked to upload a document to demonstrated that the project is planned or in progress. To show that the project is going forward, it should be included in an official strategic document (e.g., capital plan, asset management plan, OCP) or have formal acknowledgement as a priority from a senior authority from your community (e.g., Chief Administrative Officer, band council, housing board of directors).

Here’s a preview of the questions on the online form.