Dorothy Leighton

The Floating Homes Champion Award—initiated in 2017—recognizes individuals or organizations who have been significant advocates for, and have advanced the mission of the association—which is to promote and protect the sustainability of floating homes, our communities and our lifestyle. 

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For the 2021/22 year, the 6th recipient of our highest award goes to another floating home pioneer and advocate, this time in the Richmond’s Annacis Channel—Dororthy Leighton. Although the Board bestowed the award on Dorothy several months ago, tragically, she died two weeks ago, from the long-term effects of Covid, something she caught very early in the pandemic. 

Until recently Dorothy was a co-owner of High Water Marina in Annacis Channel, having bought land along the shore in the early 1980’s, and lived most of her life.

Dorothy worked tirelessly on behalf of owners and inhabitants of residential marinas. All you have to do is google her name + Floating Homes and you can find ample evidence of her ability to be a thorn in the side of Richmond politicians and Port authority employees. 

She was instrumental in establishing the Community Residential Waterlot Users Association—serving as its inaugural President—successfully pushing back on the astronomical rate increases proposed by the Port in 1996 and again in 2012.

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Quite recently, with an equitable method of determining marina water lot rents in place, Dorothy agreed to donate the residue of the Waterlot Users Association monies to the Floating Home Association — for continuation of our advocacy work.

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Please join me in thanking and congratulating – posthumously (paw-che-must-ly)—this year’s recipient of the Floating Homes Champion Award – Dorothy Leighton.

In lieu of an award, a donation to the War Amps of Canada in her name.