Legal Graffiti: The House of PainT

Riding the bike path along the Rideau River, right through the middle of the city of Ottawa, I pass through some still unspoiled wild nature areas.

Then, at the Dunbar Bridge over Bronson Avenue, I enter a graffiti world that tells the story of The House of PainT. According to their website, "The House of PainT is a FREE Outdoor HipHop Jam that showcases Graffiti, Breakdancing, Dj’s and MC’s from across Canada. It is one of Ottawa’s fastest growing community events. Since 2003, House of PainT has created space to exhibit and uplift hip hop culture in the Nation’s Capital."

The House of PainT often has festivals here and in the green space right next to it, where there are playgrounds, fields, trails and even a marshy pond – all right next door.

It’s a vibrant community and the murals are always changing. Through an agreement with the city, creating graffiti here is perfectly legal, so there’s a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, being by the river gives the place a nicely serene vibe – if you don’t count the strange rumbling echoes from passing cars above.