Farm-based group homes to be constructed in Biggar

A farm setting in Biggar will soon be established with two new group homes and day programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The pair of five-bedroom homes and 96 acres of land, donated by the town of Biggar, will be operated by Farm in the Dell. The non-profit organization already runs a similar type of operation in Aberdeen.

"We have forever dreamt of expanding to other locations in the province," Farm in the Dell Executive Director Lynette Zacharias said. "We are thankful for the Government of Saskatchewan's support of this dream and look forward to partnering with the government to make this farm a reality. This will provide meaningful and productive work and a safe place to call home for many individuals in the community."

The provincial government announced on Monday that the Ministry of Social Services would provide $1.35 million in annual funding for the Biggar development, bringing their financial commitment toward Farm in the Dell to $3.05 million yearly.

"We are proud to partner with Farm in the Dell and the Town of Biggar to develop these new homes and programming," Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said. "We are committed to safe and affordable communities by ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities receive the necessary support for their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, empowering them to live as independently as possible."

In addition to donating the land, the town of Biggar has also pledged to help Farm in the Dell raise $500,000 to construct the two homes.

"With services and commitments financially, we're getting there and we're on track," Biggar Mayor Jim Rickwood.

Rickwood said town council was approached with the idea about three years ago and after several open houses with the community, they felt it was the right opportunity to pursue.

Rickwood said town council was approached with the idea about three years ago and after several open houses with the community, they felt it was the right opportunity to pursue.

"The response was very overwhelming from our community for us to establish the second location," he said. "We're quite excited about it. The community embraced it wholeheartedly."

The RM of Biggar has also agreed to pave the road into the facility.