About the Practice

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) has a distinguished history of promoting technologies and policy solutions that help to improve the quality of life in urban regions, reduce the stresses on our environment, and drive economic sustainability and growth. Within the Urban Solutions branch of the Canadian Urban Institute, the Policy and Innovation unit has been formed specifically to advance these areas of practice at the CUI.

A History of Innovation

Innovation is nothing new to the CUI. In 1990 the Canadian Urban Institute, along with a wide range of stakeholders, invested in the original pre-feasibility studies needed to bring deep lake water cooling to Canada – today the EnWave district cooling system is Toronto’s main environmental “calling card” which has dramatically reduced GHG emissions, has reduced costs of living and costs of business, and continues to attract firms that are environmentally conscious to Toronto’s downtown.

What We Do

Where policy or technology options may be overlooked because of insufficient attention in the media or on the “urban stage” in general, the CUI will strive to conduct research, partner in pre-feasibility studies, and work with civil servants and decision makers to highlight potential context-specific applications.

Some of our current research initiatives include:

• High speed rail: the intersection of creativity and mobility.
• Cable propelled transit: adapting a cost efficient, high capacity transportation technology for urban use.

The Policy & Innovation unit also participates in developing and promoting new areas of excellence at the CUI.

Drawing on Best Practices

On an almost daily basis cities around the world are finding new ways to solve common problems through creative new urban policies. The Policy & Innovation unit is also dedicated to following best practices related to transportation, environment, natural resources, and more, as they arise. We strive to communicate these successes to decision makers, civil servants, and the public in an effort to improve cities in Canada and around the world.

The Public Investment Practice is part of the Institute's Urban Solutions Branch.