Clarke Tavanetz

There are many unique places names in Canada, and I am exploring the history of many of them! Today, it is Biggar, Saskatchewan! The origin of the name is actually pretty simple. When the village was incorporated in 1909, it was named for William Hodgins Biggar, the general counsel of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. However, where the village really shines is with its slogan. "New York is big, but this is Biggar" *chef's kiss* That slogan was created in 1914 by a survey crew who painted it on a town sign as a drunk prank. That graffiti remained on the town sign until 1954 when it was officially adopted by the community. Even though the town has a relatively small population of 2,100 people, several famous people have come from Biggar. Major James Coldwell, the leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (today's NDP) was the MP for Biggar from 1935 to 1958. During that time, he was instrumental in pushing for old age pensions and other social reforms in Canada. CFL Hall of Famer Dave Cutler was born in Biggar. He won eight Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophies from 1972 to 1981, and also won six Grey Cups. Sandra Schmirler was from Biggar. She went on to win the 1998 Olympic Gold Medal in curling and was a three-time World Champion. When she died of cancer at 36 in 2000, her funeral was broadcast nationally on TSN. If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at buymeacoffee.com/craigU