Why paying a Living Wage matters at Active Earth 

In this short blog, Marek Downarowicz, Partner and Senior Geoscientist from Active Earth explains why they became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits they’ve found from being part of the program. 

Active Earth Engineering Ltd. (Active Earth) is a 100% employee owned, BC-based full spectrum environmental engineering and consulting company led by a group of industry-leading professionals who actively direct and participate in the firm's operations. Since our inception in 2007, Active Earth has completed more than 8,000 projects across BC and has over 70 talented and passionate professional staff. 

We have been a Living Wage Employer since 2023.  We chose to certify because our work is rooted in community, environmental responsibility, and long‑term sustainability — and that begins with ensuring our own team members can afford to build stable, secure lives in the communities we serve. 

Since becoming a Living Wage Employer, we’ve noticed real, positive changes in our workplace. 

“Paying a living wage has strengthened our culture, professionalism, and has keep our turnover low. When people feel supported and fairly compensated, morale and culture in the company are high and we are all able to focus on delivering high‑quality work.” 

Paying a Living Wage doesn’t just benefit our team, it strengthens the local economy and helps families thrive. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s making a difference across British Columbia.  

We encourage others to join us in becoming Living Wage Employers. Together, we can create a fairer, more sustainable future for everyone. 

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are now over 500 Living Wage Employers across BC. 

The living wage is the hourly amount someone needs to earn to pay for basic essentials like food and rent, it doesn’t include paying off debt or saving for retirement. The Living Wage for Greater Victoria is now $27.40 an hour. 

Find out more about Active Earth on their website: https://activeearth.ca/