Two of the four phases of Biggar’s revitalization project are almost done with the help of two former residents.

Ina Lou and Wayne Brownlee, through their family foundation, committed to donating up to $2.5 million, asking for matching funds from the public and so far, $2.2-million has been raised.

“It really does exemplify what small towns Saskatchewan is capable of, pulling together, and this one especially, through pandemic and drought,” said Biggar Mayor Jim Rickwood, “We are very proud of everybody.”

To date, the 108-year-old infrastructure underneath Main Street has been replaced with new pavement and sidewalks, new light standards and trees have been added, and places for people to sit down and visit.
The next two phases are a Gateway area to welcome people into the community and Grand Central Park where the Canadian National Railway grounds used to be.

Rickwood says the federal government is handing over $750,000 through its Community Revitalization Fund to help with the project, and Biggar is one of only eight communities in Western Canada to receive the full amount of the grant.

He hopes the province will also come on board.