East Van Cross

The East Van Cross is a symbol formed by the words East written vertically and Van written horizontally in capital letters, intersecting at the shared letter A, and forming the shape of a cross.

Van is short for Vancouver, and the reference is to the city’s Eastern half, traditionally less wealthy, and harder-edged.

[1][2] Starting in the 21st century, the symbol has been adopted as a city icon, most visibly expressed in the form of Monument for East Vancouver by artist Ken Lum, erected in 2010 near the intersection of Clark Drive and East 6th Avenue.

[5] The symbol is alluded to in the packaging of one beer made by an East Vancouver brewing company.

[6] The Cross features prominently on the right side of Vancouver Canucks' goaltender Thatcher Demko's new goalie mask, which he unveiled on December 22, 2024.