WOKING

Located 55 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta, on Highway 2 is the Hamlet of Woking. Woking is situated along Secondary Highway 677 only 5km west of Highway 2. Woking has a population of about 120.

Woking was established as a station for the Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia Railway. The station was named by J.B. Prest, an engineer for the railway who also named other stations in the area like Prestville, (east of Rycroft) and Wanham. J.B. Prest came from Woking in Surrey, near London and "Woking" means an area of the family or followers of a man called Wocca. The first post office in this community opened in 1932.

On main street is the Woking Post Office that was built in 1949 by Hugh Thornton, with the carpentry assistance of Lloyd Corkum. Hugh Thornton operated the post office from 1949-1952 followed by Frank Coone until 1970. Betty Coone had the operation until 1982 then Judy Coone operated the post office until 1991.

Woking is abundant with oil and gas but the area is mainly agricultural with grain and cattle being the primary industry. At one time there were 2 elevators in the community of Woking. Today there is none. A UFA gas station, bulk fuel outlet and garage was in operation in this community, but finally closed for lack of business.

Kakut Lake Fish Pond and Wildlife Conservation Area is located near Woking on the Peoria Road which is located 1km north of the Woking turnoff on Highway 2, then 11km east on Secondary 677. This lake was named in 1911, which translated from Beaver or Cree means "Mud Lake". Kakut Lake Park offers camping at a very reasonable rate, camp kitchen, canoeing, playground, Devon Field (ball diamond) and community hall. There is fishing for brook and rainbow trout with an annual June Fishing Derby held each year. The lake is a Wetland Conservation Project (Ducks Unlimited Canada.)

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

The Historic Woking Post Office on Main Street still stands today. It was in operation from 1949-1991

Just a few doors down from the Historic Post Office site is the current post office, which also includes a general store, and liquor store. It is the only business in this community besides the school. (780) 774-3774.

Located on the corner of 50 Avenue and 50 Street is the Old General Store. It has been abandoned for years and is one of the oldest buildings in Woking.

Woking School has about 55 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The school is located just north of the Main Street. (780) 774-3932.
Woking School website

The Woking Firehall was renovated in November of 2006. Manned by a volunteer fire department.

Saddle Hills County Website
Saddle Hills County office, 5201-47 Street, Spirit River. (780) 864-3760.