Reserve residences offer a variety of apartment floor plans including shared coliving suites, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, and private 3-bedroom apartments. Each unit has spacious bedrooms and living areas, designer finishes throughout, new appliances, and the little things that make life easier like in-unit laundry. Located in the Beauty World neighbourhood, The Reserve Residences are connected to transport networks and nature attractions.
The residential housing system in reserves across Canada is a major concern for First Nations peoples. Originally created to civilize Aboriginal peoples through agriculture, Christianity and a sedentary lifestyle based on private property, today, the housing systems in many communities are failing because they have not been designed for the climate and environment where they are situated. Houses are not energy efficient and often deteriorate quickly due to poor construction methods. Many are overcrowded, leading to social issues such as poor school performance and health concerns. In some cases, houses are so dilapidated that they pose a risk to residents.
The causes of these social problems are rooted in historical injustices that continue to impact the lives of First Nations people. Displacement, cultural genocide and discriminatory legislation such as the Indian Act have left behind enduring hardships and hindered the reestablishment of stable communities. Despite recent short-term successes stemming from large influxes of proposal-based funding, the long-term, broad improvements that have been sought are not being achieved. This has led to increased frustration and resentment in reserve communities, and the lack of opportunities outside of reserve means that families do not have the same economic security as non-reserve Canadians.