Owner and artist of The War Room Tattoo Studio, Patrick Trepanier has the ink flowing after the official opening on Nov. 23. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

Ink in The War Room started to flow after the official opening of the first tattoo parlour at CFB Shilo on Nov. 23.

Just the second inkster outlet on all Bases in Canada, preceded only by a body art location at CFB Borden, The War Room Tattoo Studio is located in the CANEX behind the Health Promotion office.

“It’s rare to have a tattoo shop in the CANEX … It adds modernization,” Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk said at the opening.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair said immediately before booking one of the fast-filling spaces to have his own ink applied.

Owner-artist Patrick Trepanier and his wife Danielle Trepanier said the decision to open up shop happened quickly after CANEX approached them less than six weeks ago.

Patrick has been drawing art since the beginning of his memories and has been a tattoo artist for more than 23 years after embarking on his apprenticeship in Winnipeg.

He said he has seen many tattoo trends come and go over the years and realistic wildlife art is what he currently sees a high demand for. While there are many body art styles, such as modern, realism, American traditional and Japanese, of which he does all, his personal favourite is scary art like skulls and darker imagery, he said. He looks forward to inking some of the many military crests that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are asking for, as well as designing individual pieces to tell their stories.

Once the business settles in, a unique, fun feature they intend to re-establish is the gumball machine treat of chance, said Danielle, who is the office manager and does initial client tattoo consults.

A client can attend the studio and pay a flat rate for a gumball machine coin to receive a coloured ball. They choose an image from the gumball’s coinciding coloured pages of the art book, which can be tattooed in about an hour.

The studio is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Evenings and weekends, we’re doing by appointment only. If someone wants to get tattooed at 9 p.m. on a Saturday, the CANEX is closed. We [arrange access] because we acknowledge most people can’t get tattooed during the day. Some people do, but it’s rare,” said the office manager.

Patrick will tattoo anyone over the age of 16. However, minors need parental consent and a legal guardian to remain on site while the artwork is completed.

Danielle said during the initial consult, consent forms are explained and completed to ensure the client’s safety. Certain health conditions, such as eczema, pregnancy or breastfeeding and others, will delay the opportunity for new ink.

There is a fairly substantial health inspection process not just by the local health authorities but also by the CAF as well, she said.

After passing the health inspections with flying colours, the business also falls under the CANEX financing program for CF One Members. The military shopping program can finance body art costing more than $500.

For a consultation and appointment, clients can phone 204-922-0787 or visit the social media page Shilo Mb- The War Room Tattoo Studio.

Owner and artist of The War Room Tattoo Studio, Patrick Trepanier shows his inking tools to RSM Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair and Base Commander LCol David Cronk, on Nov 23. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News