Covid-19

Cities in the time of COVID-19

This new CUI series of online, candid conversations brings together city builders of all stripes to discuss what’s working, what’s not and what’s next for urban communities across Canada.

Upcoming Discussions

December 14

My Main Street: Innovative Placemaking Mobilization Session

Join our partners Re: Public Urbanism for a presentation on ambitious and inspiring placemaking projects, and how My Main Street funding can support bold and impactful work.
Register Here

December 7

Get Outside: Learn how to activate your park this winter!

Join us and the Healthy Communities Initiative to get inspired around winter programming and outdoor winter activities! Discover the many creative ways communities are getting people outside and moving around all winter and let us know what’s happening in your community.
Register Here

December 7

My Main Street: Community Activator information session

Thinking about applying for the My Main Street Community Activator program? Join us on December 7th to learn more about My Main Street and how to apply. We’ll share examples of projects that are eligible, walk you through eligibility criteria and the application process and answer any questions you have.
Register Here

Recent Discussions

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Expanding Housing Options: How can we improve housing diversity in our cities?

In this session, we discussed how we can support "missing middle" housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, and walk-up apartments across low-rise residential neighbourhoods.
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Post COP26: What’s next for cities?

We invited leaders from across the globe to discuss the key takeaways from the COP26 summit and what actions Canadian cities must take to ensure a sustainable, climate friendly future.
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Why is COP26 Important to cities?

In this session, climate leaders heading to Glasgow explored how cities can advance climate action through COP26.
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Creating vibrant main streets: What will it take?

In this session, we discussed the importance of main streets to support resilient communities, and the work ahead to restore them to be more inclusive and vibrant places.
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Are we talking about a revolution? A case for the core

In this CityTalk, we explored why downtowns matter, and what their possible futures are in light of recent trends and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A new normal: What’s next for Canada’s cities post election?

In this CityTalk, we explored what's next for cities across Canada post election.
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CityTalk Blog

Original insight, analysis and stories on how local government and communities across Canada are responding to the new urban reality under COVID-19.

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The Joy Ride Project brings cycling groups together around equity

Cycling organizations from across Canada are coming together in 2021 to participate in The Joy Ride Project and address the equity gap in cycling.
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Deep Lake Water Cooling – Toronto’s Miracle on the Waterfront

Deep lake water cooling (DLWC) provides cooling to more than 180 buildings in downtown Toronto through an extensive network of pipes and heat transfer facilities controlled by Enwave Energy Corporation. DLWC is now celebrated internationally and widely touted as “Toronto’s Green Calling Card” for its ongoing contribution to helping the City meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65 per cent by 2030.  
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The democratic deficit in Canadian cities during COVID-19

Municipalities across Canada have been faced with some of the most challenging governance issues in the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the decisions most directly affecting the daily lives of Canadians have been made by municipalities. By Anneke Smit, Hana Syed, Aucha Stewart, Terra Duchene, and Michael Fazzari Read the full report here.
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