The sign says, New York is big, but this is Biggar, and those Biggar hearts helped the community of about 2,200 people reach its fundraising goal of $2.5 million. Mayor Mayor Jim Rickwood says that total is being matched by former residents, Ina and Wayne Brownlee.to revitalize the town. It was a $50,000 donation announced today (Tues) from the malting plant Boortmalt which helped to reach the funding goal.

Rickwood says the fundraising committee came up with some unique ideas, like a pledge of $5,000 giving you the opportunity to have your name recognized on a particular street. Some of the revitalization work on Biggar’s Main Street is already done, including new water lines, widening the sidewalks and new pavement. The next two phases are a Gateway area welcoming everyone to Biggar and a park where the CN Rail grounds used to be.

Rickwood says the project has inspired other communities to do the same, with many inquiries about how they got it done. He describes this achievement as a feeling that is hard to describe. “We are so elated. It’s an amazing feeling. Through the pandemic, through a drought, we have reached our goal.”