Construction has officially begun on two new five-space group homes and a vocational day program in Biggar for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the result of a collaborative effort between the provincial government, the Town of Biggar, and Farm in the Dell.
Social Services Minister Terry Jenson joined community members and representatives from Farm in the Dell on Thursday to mark the start of construction on the long-anticipated project. Once complete, the facility will house 10 residents and provide a day program for up to 20 individuals.
“We are happy to see the start of this important project for Farm in the Dell,” Jenson said. “This project represents our government’s commitment to supporting initiatives which allow individuals with disabilities to live and participate in a supportive environment tailored to their needs.”
The project is being supported by a combined $2.95 million in funding: $2.1 million from the Ministry of Social Services, $500,000 from Farm in the Dell, and $350,000 from the Town of Biggar. Annual operating funding will be provided by the Ministry once construction is complete.
Farm in the Dell is a Saskatchewan-based non-profit that provides residential, vocational and recreational programming for adults with intellectual disabilities. The Biggar expansion marks the organization’s second location in Canada. It currently operates a similar model near Aberdeen.
Lynette Zacharias, executive director of Farm in the Dell, said the project is rooted in creating a meaningful life for residents.
“We look forward to working together on this meaningful initiative to support individuals in our communities by providing a safe and caring home, purposeful work opportunities, and a vibrant social life within a rewarding farm environment,” she said.
The day program will include a vocational building with workshop space, a commercial kitchen, and eventually a barn, chicken coop, greenhouse and potential farm ventures such as a Saskatoon berry patch or Christmas tree farm. The group homes will be located in a single building, with five residents on each side.
Biggar Mayor Jim Rickwood praised the project as a symbol of what small communities can achieve with shared vision and dedication.
“We're really happy to have Farm in the Dell choose Biggar as its second location in Saskatchewan — and Canada,” said Rickwood. “From a concept first presented to council in 2021, to fundraising, partnerships, and now construction, this has been a community effort from the beginning.”
Rickwood said the Town of Biggar donated 100 acres within town limits for the project.
“This is going to be a wonderful addition to our community,” he said. “The joy we feel due to this accomplishment will be returned to us by that same group of people. Our horizons are great, our abilities are enormous, but the spirit we cultivate is Biggar.”
Construction is already underway at the site, located just north of the Highway 14 railway crossing. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.