Subject: This month: New programs, stories, and lessons learned in climate resilience

 

Hi Friend,

 

From cutting emissions to rebuilding stronger after disasters, communities across Canada are advancing innovative low-carbon climate resilient infrastructure. This month, we’re announcing new CRIS cohort opportunities, sharing the latest success story from North Rustico, P.E.I., and highlighting lessons in resilience from Jasper, Alberta, on the CityTalk podcast.

 

Now Open: Alberta Low Carbon Cohort

We're partnering with the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) to invite Alberta communities (populations 30,000 or less) to join our newest cohort supporting local governments in advancing low-carbon infrastructure projects through expert guidance and collaborative learning. 


Register your infrastructure project to receive up to 60 hours of personalized expert support, peer learning sessions with other Alberta municipalities, and guidance on funding readiness and next steps to move your projects forward. 

  

Key details: 

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

Deadline to register: October 15, 2025 

Learn more and register in 15 minutes!
 

Deadline upcoming: P.E.I. Reception Centres Cohort

Calling all Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities (FPEIM) Members! Is your municipality planning to upgrade or build a reception centre? Now is the time to make it climate resilient and energy efficient — with free expert support.


We're inviting municipalities from across P.E.I. with plans to upgrade their reception centres to join the our Reception Centre Program. Register your planned or existing reception centre to access:

  1. A site visit and customized analysis of your centre

  2. A tailored report with clear recommendations

  3. Guidance on aligning your project with funding opportunities

Sign up before September 30!
 

About Cohorts

CRIS offers free specialized cohorts for local governments to get one-on-one support and connect with peers tackling similar issues—like flooding, wildfires, or aging community assets. We help you work with experts, explore solutions, and move your project forward with confidence.  

Discover more of our cohort offerings 

 

Project Story: North Rustico, P.E.I.

When Hurricane Fiona hit Prince Edward Island in 2022, the firehall in North Rustico, P.E.I., was left flooded, with fish scattered across the floor. It was a vivid reminder that the community’s firehall was sitting in a high-risk flood zone.  

  

Faced with the need to relocate and rebuild but unsure where to start, Stephanie Moase, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, turned to the CRIS. Through the program, North Rustico was matched with Roster Expert EastPoint Engineering, who developed an options analysis for a new firehall. The report includes information about the trade-offs between cost, energy efficiency, and feasibility for the project.  

  

“The Options Report gives us the clear numbers we need,” said Moase, CAO. “I’m excited for my committee to come together and sit with the report and have a better understanding of what our best foot forward will be.”  

 
Read the whole story
 

Rebuilding Jasper: one year after the fire

Beth Sanders was getting ready to lead a new planning department for Jasper, Alberta when the municipality was evacuated due to wildfires. The fires ended up destroying about a third of the town. Beth joins CityTalk host Mary W. Rowe to talk about the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding, as well as lessons for other municipalities facing increasing threats from climate change. Beth is the Director of Urban Design and Standards for the Municipality of Jasper and the author of Nest City. 

Listen Here

Plus: Stay up to date on the CRIS and find more resources on our LinkedIn

 


Driving low carbon solutions | Building local capacity | Fostering climate readiness


climateready@canurb.org

 
Canadian Urban Institute, 30 St Patrick St #500, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A3, Canada

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