Arson charges were laid in connection to the fire that destroyed the Snow White Family Resturant in Biggar, Sask. back in September of 2024. (submitted)

By CKOM

Arson

Biggar Mayor reacts to arson charges that destroyed small town resturant

Jan 3, 2025 | 1:06 PM

Just over two months after a fire destroyed a beloved small town restaurant, arson charges have been laid.

The Snow White Family Restaurant, which has long been a staple of the community, burnt down in an early morning blaze on Sept. 25. Last month, Biggar RCMP arrested a woman in relation to this investigation.

Jim Rickwood, Mayor of Biggar, said the charges provide the community some peace of mind.

“There was a lot of fright in the community, and a lot of just animosity as to what was happening and and what was going on,” he said. “People can relax and know that that person has been brought to the charges.”

Rickwood is glad the RCMP were able to pinpoint the cause and lay charges.

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“It’s welcoming to know that somebody has been brought to accountability for them. It doesn’t change the fact that what happened happened,” he said.

“A fire is devastating no matter what, but somebody is being held accountable for their actions and that’s what matters.”

He said Biggar is like any other small town, it has some isolated crime. He said it’s not better or worse than any other community.

However, Rickwood said the community has less RCMP resources than in previous years.

“We’ve reached out to the RCMP and asked if there’s anything we can do to support them in advocating for more staff, which we know there are none,” he said.

“Things are more difficult now than they than they ever were. We’re down members, so we’re hoping to get that number back up to where it’s supposed to be, but we’re in no different situation than a lot of than a lot of small towns in Saskatchewan and Canada.”

Maggie Tan owned the restaurant for 33 years. She is devastated by the loss, but hopes to open another restaurant in the future. (Maggie Tan/Facebook)

While the charred exterior of the restaurant is a blemish on the revitalized main street, Rickwood is hopeful the property will be in use again.

“We cleaned it up, and right now there’s some support holding up some insulation in that for the building next door,” he said. “And it’s (the land) still Maggie Tan’s property, the owners of Snow White. We’ll see what the future brings with that property.”

According to Rickwood, Tan is planning to open another restaurant in a nearby town.

“I wish her all the luck, as we all do,” he said. “She ran a very successful business for I believe 33 years. She’s well known in the community, and you know it’s very unfortunate, but she is going to continue on.”

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