Who we are:

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a Toronto-based not for profit organization with a national and international reach. Through our work we seek to create a world of thriving, sustainable, harmonious and engaged urban regions.
 

Our mission:

The CUI is an innovator and catalyst engaged in research, networking, leadership development, planning and policy solutions to improve the quality of life in urban regions in Canada and around the world.
 

Our mandate:

The Canadian Urban Institute fulfills its mission in Canada and internationally through a range of programs, services and activities that include:

Innovating

• Observe, research and interpret emerging urban issues and challenges.
• Proactively identify, evaluate and interpret technological applications and policy solutions to urban challenges
• Research, model and aid the implementation of new public policy initiatives

 
Conducting, collecting, and translating applied research

• Identify best practices in urban policy and planning; exchange best practice  knowledge within and between regions
• Evaluate and report on the success of urban policies
• Provide access to reliable data and analysis

 
Convening urban decision makers, building capacity and networks

• Support collaborations to develop strategies, partnerships, methodologies and tool kits to achieve urban public policy outcomes.
• Organize people, capital and ideas to implement significant urban projects.
• Be a resource to urban leaders, decision makers and the public

 
Promoting leaders and ideas

• Recognize and promote leaders and leading ideas
• Mentor and support future leaders
• Build citizen participation and assist in enhancing the capacity of urban regions
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Branches of practice:

The CUI operates through four branches. Details about each can be found by visiting our "Branches" page or by visiting one of the following branches directly:

• Education & Events (Events, Applied Research, Continued Professional Learning)
• Urban Solutions (Delivering CUI's policy and practice innovations to the field)
• Connector (Strategy and Engagement)
• International Partnerships (Responsible for CUI programs and projects outside of Canada)

 
Our staff:

Details about our staff, management and board members can be found by clicking here.
 

Selection of past clients and research partners:

Government:

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
• City of Calgary
• City of Guelph
• City of Hamilton
• City of Mississauga
• Government of Alberta, Oil Sands Sustainability Secretariat
• Infrastructure Ontario
• Natural Resources Canada, CanmetENERGY
• Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services
• Ontario Power Authority
• Toronto Atmospheric Fund

Other:

• Canadian District Energy Association
• Greater Toronto Apartment Association
• Holcim Canada (formerly Dufferin Aggregates)
• Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED)
• Public Health Association of Canada (PHAC)
• Quality Urban Energy Solutions of Tomorrow (QUEST)
• Toronto Office Coalition

Join our team:

Interested in working or volunteering with the Institute? Visit our Opportunities page.

Read our publications:

CUI maintains an online library of our publications. While not all reports and publications are listed, you'll find quite a few of our most frequently cited titles here.