KEG RIVER

The Hamlet of Keg River is located approximately 91 km southwest of High Level, Alberta. About 120 miles north of Peace River.

Located south of the Hamlet of Keg River on Highway 35 (where the bridge crosses the Keg River) is the Gas Station and Convenient Store, Post Office, Greyhound Bus Stop and Millennium Cabins.

The Hamlet of Keg River is located on the original site of the Slavey and Cree Indians summer village. In 1896 the Hudson Bay Company arrived in the area as the fur trade industry was beginning to grow. Over the years more stores were built and in 1931 Keg River had their own doctor. The first post office opened here in 1932 with L.G. Harrinton the first postmaster. The name of the community "Keg River" was taken from the nearby river. The name of the river originated from the kegs of brew found in the river.

The original Hamlet of Keg River is located 14 km west off Highway 35. At one time there were a number of houses located here but it was decided to move them next to the main highway. Today there is only a church, hall and library at the original hamlet location.

Located at the original Keg River Settlement is this church.	The Keg River Community Hall opened in July 1, 1980 at the original Hamlet location.	The Keg River Library is still in operation at the original Hamlet location of Keg River.

Keg River is a farming community. The elevator that stood for many years has been torn down where Alberta Resources Railway hauled the grain grown in the area. It was situated where the railway crossed the Keg River Post Road. A Forest Ranger Station is located nearby with its own grass airstrip. There are a few Bison Ranchers in the area as well. The area is still popular for fishing, hunting and camping.

The community surrounding Keg River shares its services with nearby Paddle Prairie located about 15 km north, which has an Arena for skating and hockey, a BMX track, Skateboard Park, Day-care, School, Store, Library and Post Office. The original Hamlet site of Keg River has a Community Hall, Health Clinic, a Church. Encana Oil and Gas have plants set up at the Keg Post/ Keg River area and Paddle Prairie area.

The Hamlet of Paddle Prairie is located approximately 76km south south-west of High Level. It got its name from the paddles and canoes that were left behind when the Beaver and Slavey people moved north when the waters in the area dried up. The first post office was opened in Paddle Prairie in 1945.

Schools:

Located in the Northland School Division 61 is Dr. Mary Jackson School. Named after Dr. Mary Jackson, a pioneer physician and homesteader. The school has an outdoor basketball court and outdoor skating rink. (780) 981-2275.

Paddle Prairie School. (780) 981-2124.

Only a few homes are located where the bridge crosses the Keg River. They are next to Dr. Mary Jackson School.

Keg River Our Children Society Centre (KROC) is located across from the Gas Station and Convenient Store. It has as a playground.