TheEast Van Cross is a symbol formed by the wordsEast written vertically andVan written horizontally in capital letters, intersecting at the shared letter A, and forming the shape of across. Van is short forVancouver, and the reference is to the city’s Eastern half, traditionally less wealthy, and harder-edged.
The East Van Cross traditionally was the work of graffiti artists, said to express the "marginality and defiance" of East Vancouver.[1][2]
Starting in the 21st century, the symbol has been adopted as a city icon, most visibly expressed in the form ofMonument for East Vancouver by artistKen Lum, erected in 2010 near the intersection ofClark Drive and East 6th Avenue.[3] It has become possible to purchase clothing[4] and jewellery bearing the East Van Cross motif.[5]
The symbol is alluded to in the packaging of theParallel 49 Brewing CompanyCraftLager.[6]
The Cross features prominently on the right side ofVancouver Canucks' goaltenderThatcher Demko's newgoalie mask, which he unveiled on December 22, 2024.[7]