Why paying a Living Wage matters at Greenways Land Trust

In this short blog, Katie Lavoie, Executive Director of Greenways Land Trust, shares why Greenways became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits the organization has experienced since making that commitment.

Greenways Land Trust is an environmental nonprofit based in Campbell River, on Vancouver Island. Our mission is to care for the land and waters that sustain us, through education, stewardship, and conservation. We currently employ six year-round staff and three casual staff members, all working to support healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.

We have been a certified Living Wage Employer since 2025. The nonprofit sector is often associated with low pay, short-term contracts, and staff burnout—despite the critical role nonprofits play in community well-being. At Greenways, we are intentional about doing things differently. Paying a living wage is a key part of our commitment to equity, staff wellbeing, and long-term organizational health.

For nonprofits, staff continuity matters. When people are fairly compensated, they are more likely to stay, grow into their roles, and build lasting relationships with partners, volunteers, and the community. This stability leads to stronger programs, deeper institutional knowledge, and more effective use of limited resources. Paying a living wage is not just a values-based decision—it’s a practical one.

Since becoming a Living Wage Employer, we’ve seen tangible, positive changes. We haven’t had any staff leave (no small feat in the nonprofit world), and our team reports a healthy work–life balance. No one needs to take on additional jobs just to make ends meet, which means staff can show up focused, energized, and engaged in their work.

Since becoming a Living Wage Employer, we’ve noticed real, positive changes in our workplace. We haven’t had any staff leave (no small feat in the nonprofit world), and our team reports a healthy work–life balance. No one needs to take on additional jobs just to make ends meet, which means staff can show up focused, energized, and engaged in their work.

Paying a living wage has also helped make our positions accessible to a wider range of people. Too often, nonprofit roles are only viable for individuals with financial support from a partner or family. By offering a living wage, we are better able to attract and retain a diverse team with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—strengthening our organization and the work we do.

The benefits extend beyond our staff. Paying a living wage supports the local economy, helps families meet their basic needs, and contributes to a healthier, more resilient community. As an organization dedicated to environmental stewardship, we see social and economic well-being as inseparable from ecological health.

We’re proud to be part of the Living Wage movement in Campbell River and across BC. Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment to investing in people, communities, and local economies. There are now more than 450 Living Wage Employers across the province.

The Living Wage reflects the hourly rate someone needs to earn to cover basic essentials like food, rent, and transportation. It does not include paying down debt or saving for retirement. That being said, Greenways also has an elective 5% match retirement plan through Common Good Plan. In Campbell River, the current Living Wage is $25.30 per hour.

We encourage other nonprofits and employers to consider joining us. Together, we can create workplaces—and communities—that are fairer, healthier, and more sustainable for everyone.

To learn more about Greenways Land Trust and our work, visit www.greenwaystrust.ca [greenwaystrust.ca]