An early morning fire has devastated the town of Biggar, Saskatchewan, with the iconic Snow White Restaurant completely consumed by flames. The blaze broke out around 4:30 a.m. September 25th, and while the Biggar Fire Department worked tirelessly to control the aftermath, Snow White was declared a total loss.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, though unconfirmed reports suggest that a nearby grocery store may have also sustained damage.
Snow White, a staple in Biggar for over 30 years, was cherished by the community. Residents expressed their grief on social media, mourning the loss of the local favourite and reflecting on the emotional toll this will take on the town. One Facebook user lamented, "This will definitely hurt our community," while another downtown business owner shared their fears: "This is my worst fear with the buildings connected."
In older communities like Biggar, where many of the downtown structures were built close together, fire risks are a constant concern. As these buildings age, the local fire department is keenly aware of the dangers, knowing that a fire in one building can quickly spread to others. In this case, their efforts were focused on containing the blaze to prevent further destruction. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Saskatchewan Fire Examiners.
The Snow White Restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and small-town charm, holds a special place in the hearts of many in the community. A daughter of the restaurant’s owners took to Facebook to express her heartbreak, sharing the deep connection her family had to the establishment.
"Today, my family’s restaurant burnt down," she wrote. "My parents have run the restaurant for thirty or so years, and in the blink of an eye, everything they had has disappeared."
She spoke of the memories tied to the restaurant, from learning how to work alongside her father and grandmother to celebrating birthdays and building a future for her family. Her post captured the deep significance of small-town restaurants like Snow White, which represent much more than a place to eat—they symbolize stories of resilience, hard work, and the dream of a better future.
"Small-town Chinese food restaurants are little treasures scattered throughout the province that often serve incredibly delicious food… but they represent much more than that," she wrote. "They tell the tales of families breaking generational poverty by taking huge risks."
The loss of Snow White is a significant blow to the community, not only as a beloved local business but also as a symbol of the family’s perseverance and dedication.
"We are reminded that everything here is so temporary. We are reminded that the world of materials can be stripped from you overnight," the daughter’s post continued. "This reminds us of what truly matters—safety, love, and resilience."
While the future for the owners of Snow White remains uncertain, their daughter expressed confidence in their strength and determination. "They have built from scratch before, and whatever the next chapter looks like, they will build from scratch again," she said, reflecting on the lessons of resilience and gratitude she learned from her parents.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the people of Biggar are left grappling with the loss of an establishment that had become woven into the fabric of their lives. The impact of the fire on neighbouring businesses is still unclear, and more updates are expected as official reports become available.
For now, the town mourns the loss of a beloved local treasure, while rallying around the family that gave so much to the community for more than 30 years.