Reserve residences provide comfortable, safe, affordable living in a community with a variety of attractive on-site amenities. These include a state-of-the-art fitness center, an off-leash dog park, a resort style pool and more. The apartments themselves feature a number of upgraded features such as granite counters, hard surface flooring in the kitchen and baths, and stainless steel appliances. The complex is pet friendly and has been outfitted with energy efficient LED lighting.
First Nations on reserves face a wide range of socio-economic problems that impact their quality of life. A lack of adequate housing is one of the most serious concerns. Although home construction rates have improved significantly since the 1960s, the overall number of dwellings on reserve is still far below that of the Canadian population. Furthermore, the rate of new homes being built on reserve is not keeping up with demand and funding for new homes is often redirected to repairing existing ones.
Despite these challenges, many reserve residents choose to remain on their communities. This decision is based on the belief that their traditional ways of life are a valuable part of their identity and that they can best address challenges that arise in non-reserve society by maintaining their Aboriginal lifestyle.
Traditionally, reserves have been large tracts of land and are often located in rural or remote areas. However, some reserves are located in or near larger urban centres. These “urban” reserves are governed by the federal Addition to Reserve Policy and allow First Nations to acquire lands in or around large cities and have them added to their reserve.