Canadian Urban Institute facts for kids

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a group in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that doesn't aim to make money. Its main job is to help cities in Canada and around the world. CUI works on many urban topics. These include making sure everyone has a home they can afford, helping cities be strong and competitive, planning for smart growth, finding good energy and water solutions, making communities friendly for older people, and cleaning up old, unused land called brownfields.

The Story of CUI

The CUI began in 1990. It was started by the City of Toronto and the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. A long-time city leader, Richard Gilbert, helped lead it.

Many important people have led CUI. David Crombie, a former mayor of Toronto, was president from 2001 to 2007. After him, Glen Murray, a former mayor of Winnipeg, took over.

Glen Murray left CUI in 2010 when he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Then, Fred Eisenberger, who used to be the mayor of Hamilton, became president on February 7, 2011. Today, Mary W. Rowe is the president and CEO.

What Does CUI Do?

CUI holds meetings and workshops to share ideas. They also do research and publish reports. These reports cover important social and economic issues that affect cities. This includes topics like community growth, city buildings and roads, and homes that are good for the environment.

Each year, CUI gives out "Brownie Awards." These awards go to groups that show great leadership. They also recognize groups that are good at protecting the environment and coming up with new ideas.

In 2020, CUI created three online tools. These tools helped people get information about the COVID-19 pandemic. They were called CityWatch Canada, CityShare Canada, and Bring Back Main Street.

In 2021, CUI started a program called My Main Street. This two-year program helps make city economies stronger. It gives small businesses helpful market research and $10,000 to improve.

CUI's Work Around the World

The Canadian Urban Institute has worked with cities all over the world. They help improve city planning and how cities are managed. They also help with services, protecting the environment, and growing local economies.

CUI has worked in many countries. These include the Philippines, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras, and Ukraine. For example, they are helping Ukraine improve its regional economy. They are also helping Jamaica make changes to its local government.