Canadian Urban Institute

History

The institute was established in 1990 by the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto and the City of Toronto and led by veteran Toronto city councilor Richard Gilbert. Former Toronto mayor and federal cabinet minister, the Honourable David Crombie, served as its president and chief executive officer from 2001 to 2007. Crombie was followed in the position by former Winnipeg mayor Glen Murray. Murray stood down following his election to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2010 and was succeeded by former Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger, who formally took office on February 7, 2011. Its current president and CEO is Mary W. Rowe.

Mission

The Canadian Urban Institute aims to advance the understanding and practice of urbanism in Canada. The CUI envisions Canadian cities as places where all residents can thrive, supported by resilient infrastructure, equitable access to resources, and inclusive public spaces.

CUI works across several key action areas, including:

• Main streets and downtowns
• Housing and homelessness
• Infrastructure and transit
• Climate change, sustainability and resilience
• Local economies
• Regional leadership and governance
• Equity and reconciliation

Programs

CUI holds conferences and seminars, conducts research, and produces publications on social and economic issues that impact the urban sector including social development, infrastructure, and sustainable housing. The organization presents annual Brownie Awards to groups that demonstrate leadership, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

In 2020, CUI created three online platforms to provide information about the COVID-19 pandemic: CityWatch Canada, CityShare Canada, and Bring Back Main Street.

In 2021, the institute launched My Main Street, a two-year program to revitalize cites' economies by providing small businesses with market research and $10,000.

International partnerships

Over the course of its history, the institute had an active international program that works in partnership with cities and regions around the world to improve planning, urban management, service delivery, environmental management, and local economic development. CUI has been active in a range of countries including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras, Peru, Paraguay, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and countries within Central and Eastern Europe such as Ukraine, Poland, and Latvia. The CUI is helping to advance regional economic development in Ukraine, local economic development in the Philippines, local government reform in Jamaica, and improved urban management in Ethiopia.

References

References

1. Publications, Europa. (2020-08-16). "The Europa International Foundation Directory 2020". Routledge.
2. "Urban institute to be headed by councillor," ''Globe and Mail'', 16 January 1990, A17.
3. "Crombie to Head Canadian Urban Institute," ''CCN Disclosure'', 9 January 2001, 13:27; "Former mayor of Winnipeg has been named to head a Toronto-based think tank," ''Canadian Press'', 30 November 2007, 12:38; Robert Benzie, "Glen Murray front and centre," ''Toronto Star'', 7 January 2010, A10.
4. "Ex-mayor Eisenberger lands new job," ''Hamilton Spectator'', 15 December 2010, A3.
5. Israelson, David. (2022-12-06). "Hardening is just one way to make buildings resilient, says urban development expert". The Globe and Mail.
6. Saunders, Evan. (2023-02-03). "Brownfields: 'Real estate with an environmental personality'".
7. (2015-09-30). "Canadian Urban Institute announces Brownie Award Finalists".
8. Immen, Wallace. (2021-11-30). "Down on Main Street, has the pandemic created revitalization opportunities?". The Globe and Mail.
9. Hannay, Chris. (2023-01-03). "Canadian small businesses are expanding – with a little help from data". The Globe and Mail.
10. Gerry Fitzpatrick, "Coming to grips with private property," ''Globe and Mail'', 27 August 1992, A15; Brian Dexter, "Chief planner off to help his native Latvia," ''Toronto Star'', 1 April 1993, NY2.
11. "Canadian Support in Ukraine," ''Plus News Pakistan'', 27 October 2010.
12. (10 April 2020). "Космолот — онлайн казино на деньги в Украине, официальный сайт".
13. "CUI in Jamaica | Canadian Urban Institute".
14. "CUI in Ethiopia | Canadian Urban Institute".