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.

Photo by Bill Johnston June 1962 - Photo submitted (Click to enlarge picture)

In the early 1960's many men worked on the construction of the Great Slave Lake Railway that passed by Keg River. One of the civil engineers, Bill Johnston, worked on this project with many others and stayed at the main building on the left (now the site of the Millennium Cabins near the Keg River Bridge) The highway was gravel and turned to mud after a rain

The Mackenzie Highway During the 1960's During this time, the Highway was gravel, and many travellers struggled through the mud after the rains. (Photo by Bill Johnston) Enlarge picture.

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.

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.