Popular Chatfield Exchange to stay open

The Chatfield Exchange, a multi-building thrift store, art gallery and popular road trip destination in Manitoba, won’t be closing after all.

Artist Anthony Nelson took to social media last week to announce the indefinite closure of the Interlake-area establishment known for its maximalist decor.

The Rural Municipality of Armstrong “has asked us to cease all operations,” the business owner wrote in a post on Thursday.

Nelson said the request was sparked by complaints lodged by residents in the rural community located about 130 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Following an outpouring of concern and support online, both the business owner and RM have confirmed Chatfield Exchange does, in fact, have a future.

Neither have disclosed the nature of the complaints.

Nelson declined an interview on Sunday, citing the fact he didn’t want to upset community members any further and was scheduled to meet with elected officials on Monday.

“I had posted publicly as I had no other means of letting everyone know we would not be open and to not drive the long distance out here as our visitors come from all over Manitoba,” he said via direct message on Instagram.

The second-hand shop, located in a former pool hall, is typically open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Nelson noted that he was “very grateful” for all of the support he has received in recent days.

Neither chief administrative officer Colleen Mayer nor reeve Garry Wasylowski responded to requests for comment Sunday.

When reached by phone in the evening, councillor David Tyndale shared a statement on behalf of the RM.

“The RM of Armstrong has no interest in shutting down the Chatfield Exchange — there has been a misunderstanding,” it said.

The statement indicated the RM wants all local businesses to thrive, but each one must be treated the same and obtain relevant permits where necessary.

“We all need to be compliant with the bylaws and will work with the owners to get there. We look forward to working with the Chatfield Exchange in the near future,” it said.

Tyndale deferred further comment to the CAO.

There are approximately 1,500 residents in the RM, according to Manitoba Health’s 2023 population report.

Chatfield Exchange’s announcement on Facebook about its June 12 reopening received more than 2,000 likes.

In it, Nelson recalled being met with widespread skepticism when he first opened the doors to an art gallery “in a location with no other businesses and a minuscule population” six years ago.

“But I persisted. I loved Chatfield and the magic that was already inherent in this location,” he said in the post.

Nelson went on to say he continues to grapple with “growing pains” and needs to find ways “to consider the concerns of everyone in our community.”

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca