This artwork installed in 2010, looks like a Christian cross, and is a reference is to the city’s Eastern half, which is traditionally less wealthy and harder-edged. Ironically almost half of Greater Vancouver residents identify as not having a religion, a fraction that is higher than any other large city in North America. This artwork is easily seen when looking south, while taking the SkyTrain Expo Line between Main Street-Science World station and Commercial-Broadway station. It is also a located a block east of VCC-Clark station on the SkyTrain Millenium Line.

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.

The East Van Cross traditionally was the work of graffiti artists, said to express the "marginality and defiance" of East Vancouver.

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. It has become possible to purchase clothing and jewellery bearing the East Van Cross motif.

The symbol is alluded to in the packaging of the Parallel 49 Brewing Company craft lager.