Landmark Federal Investment Announces $110 Million in DRAI Funding Renewal
Halifax, NS — October 09, 2026 — The ReCover Initiative attended Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure’s event in Dartmouth, NS, welcoming the Government of Canada’s investment in retrofits including, $110 million over three years, beginning in 2027-28, to renew the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI). The announcement took place against the backdrop of a newly completed deep retrofit on Portland Street in Dartmouth, a project that targets a 70% reduction in the building’s energy use.
This renewal is a significant step for the deep retrofit sector, and it‘s only the beginning. It confirms that deep retrofits are central to Canada’s plans for affordability, climate action, and a more resilient building stock, and it provides the sector the continuity it needs to keep building momentum.
With support from DRAI, ReCover has helped lay the groundwork for scaling deep retrofits across Atlantic Canada, including developing the region’s first Deep Retrofit Roadmap to prioritize and guide investment where it can have the greatest impact. Renewed federal investment offers an opportunity to build on this foundation.
We are thrilled that the federal government has renewed DRAI funding. Deep retrofits will make our communities safer and prepare us for the future. We also applaud the complimentary initiatives announced yesterday, in particular, the program to receive heat pump replacement with a 24-hour approval process. This program will be a game changer for many people who live in Canada and addresses a common obstacle to heat pump adoption.
Deep retrofits are complex, and many building owners need program navigators to move from planning to implementation. Continued support through accelerators helps owners work through technical, financial, and practical challenges so that projects get completed, not just planned. It also helps grow the skilled workforce needed to meet rising demand and deliver lasting energy and cost savings for residents.
We are looking forward to supporting all levels of governments in their mission to make Canada’s buildings better.
To learn more, read the official announcement on the Government of Canada’s website.
If you’re interested in a deep retrofit for your project, please visit our Building Transformation Program page.