
2024 Floating Home Champion - Leo Stradiotti

Leo Stradiotti and Ron Read
The Floating Homes Champion Award—initiated in 2017—recognizes individuals or organizations who have been significant advoates 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.
The 2024 award was presented by Ron Read at the 2024 AGM. Following is Ron’s presentation:
The Floating Home Champion Award was created as a means of recognizing individuals or organizations who have been advocates for, and have advanced the mission of the association. This includes those who have a significant history with the association, and those who are allied service providers. Our inaugural awardee was Vicki Huntington, while she was MLA for Delta South. Over the years we’ve recognized board members past and present, marina owners and even a banker! This year, it’s my honour to announce that the 2024 recipient is none other than our own worthy
president, Leo Stradiotti!
Leo Stradiotti dedicated his entire career to North Arm Transportation, a family-owned and operated business founded by his father and two uncles in the early 1940s. Over the years, Leo worked his way through various departments, gaining hands-on experience both on the boats and in the office. In his 30s, he became president of the company, a role he held until 2020.
Throughout his career, Leo was an active participant in the marine industry. He obtained both his Master’s papers and marine engineering qualifications. For 22 years he served as a director on the Council of Marine Carriers and held the position of Chairman from 2006 to 2022. During this period, he also chaired the Port Metro Vancouver Nominations Committee.
Leo joined the Floating Home Association in 2017, was elected to the board in 2021, and became president in 2022. On the board, Leo has been a valuable conduit to the Vancouver Port Authority, assisting with issues related to sediment and dredging, leases and licenses of occupation, and other challenges of living along the river.
Beyond his professional achievements, Leo has been involved in the ownership and management of two sport fishing lodges—one in the Chilcotin Region (now sold) and the other on Langara Island in Haida Gwaii.
Leo will be remembered by the FHA for hosting the best board gatherings, where he treated guests to homemade smoked salmon and an international selection of lunchtime wines.
A mariner at heart, Leo grew up on the banks of the North Arm, where his company’s office still sits, with his house on the hill across the street. He spent every day in the yard, or in his rowboat on the river. This life- long attraction to the river led him and his wife Judy to build a floating home where he lives to this day, on the banks of his beloved Fraser River in Ladner.