Art lovers and people who enjoy browsing for vintage and distinctive items were undoubtedly rejoicing after learning the Chatfield Exchange had not shut down, despite a social media post announcing its closure.
The Chatfield Exchange was told by staff at the RM of Armstrong a few weeks ago that it had to close, but that directive stemmed from a misunderstanding, and the municipality’s CAO stepped in to address the situation, said Exchange owner Anthony Nelson.
Nelson, an artist from the Camp Morton area, converted Chatfield’s old pool hall into an eclectic gallery and thrift store.
Stepping through the front door is a visual feast that transports visitors to another world. The Exchange has become a tourist magnet, renowned for its decor and art as well as its collectibles, clothing and other items. Visitors from across the region and beyond make the trek to Chatfield. The gallery showcases Nelson’s art, including paintings and installations that spark conversation.
The Exchange posted a notice June 4 on its Facebook page saying the RM of Armstrong had “asked us to cease all operations” after complaints were made by residents in Chatfield. Because the Exchange was preparing to open the following day, it asked its online followers to spread the news of the closure so visitors would not make an unnecessary trip to Chatfield.
Nelson told the Express the RM had sent him a note asking him to contact the municipality. He drove to the administration office in Inwood, where an employee told him he would “need to cease all operations until at least June 23 when council would have the opportunity at their meeting to approve the business.”
“So when I posted publicly saying we were shut down, I was basing my information on what I had been told by the RM office. I had to make a public declaration as we were to be open the next morning and our customers drive out from all over Manitoba and I didn’t want anyone to needlessly make the long drive to Chatfield,” said Nelson by email. “Later that day I was contacted by the chief administrative officer and she relayed that the employee misunderstood the situation and that was not the case that we needed to cease operation.”
Nelson said there were complaints about parking, or rather a shortage of parking at the Exchange. People would sometimes park on the highway in front of the building when it was very busy. Some visitors were also trespassing on private property containing historic buildings.
To help resolve the parking issue, the Chatfield Community Hall stepped up to offer its parking lot to people visiting the small community, which is located off Highway 17 between Poplarfield to the north and the Narcisse Snake Dens to the south.
“Parking became an issue during the Narcisse Snake Den season as there was a lot of crossover traffic and we had people parking along the highway in front of our building,” said Nelson. “We now have been graciously welcomed to use the Chatfield Community Hall’s parking lot down the street for extra parking.”
Nelson issued a public post last week thanking the Chatfield Community Hall for offering to share its parking lot. The post also clarified that not “all the people” of Chatfield took exception to the situation.
Nelson said he has since met with Armstrong’s CAO to address the RM’s concerns and those of a few neighbours.
“We look forward to continue working with the RM in addressing all their concerns and hope to ease the tensions with those in town that have been affected by our business,” he said.
CAO Colleen Mayer said the municipality supports local businesses and that there had been a misunderstanding regarding the closure.
“The RM of Armstrong has no interest in shutting down the Chatfield Exchange — there was a misunderstanding. The RM of Armstrong wants local businesses to thrive and prosper,” said Mayer. “Of course, we must treat all businesses the same and we want permits where required. We all need to be compliant with the bylaws and will work with the owners to get there.”
She said the RM has met with the Exchange owners and they are working together to resolve the concerns.
“We have met with the business owners this week to discuss concerns and will continue to work with them in the near future to address those concerns,” said Mayer.
Visit the Chatfield Exchange on Facebook or Instagram for a glimpse of what the store has to offer.
