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Community Hub in Saugeen Shores: Powerlink's Next Chapter

Community hub in Saugeen Shores.


Powerlink's Next Chapter: From Office Building to Community Hub


A Conversation with Andrew Hill


When you walk into Powerlink today, you notice something different.


What was once a straightforward office building has transformed into something much more—a community hub designed for connection, collaboration, and creativity.


“We’ve gone from just being the new standard of office space,” explains Andrew Hill, “to becoming a community building entity. It’s no longer just an office.


Now it’s everything we can fit under one roof—events, coworking, and experiences that help build community.”


That shift in vision is shaping how Powerlink serves companies, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in Saugeen Shores.


And through AREA 81, a rural entrepreneurship acceleator, the building’s role now extends beyond its walls, linking local innovators to a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem across Grey and Bruce.


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“We’ve gone from just being the new standard of office space to becoming a community-building entity. It’s no longer just an office — it’s everything we can fit under one roof to help build community.”

Built for Companies That Value Flexibility

The modern workplace has changed. Teams are smaller, more mobile, and don’t always need the overhead of a large, fixed office. Powerlink is designed for that reality.


“Companies aren’t doing business the way they were before,” says Hill. “Some staff need a dedicated space. Others just drop in when they’re on the road. Sometimes you want to host a birthday, a team-building session, or bring in clients for an education event. We want you to be able to do all of that under one roof.”


Scenario in action: Imagine a company of 10 people. Only three need a private office every day. Several sales reps work on the road and stop in occasionally. Instead of leasing 2,000 square feet of unused desks, the company leases a smaller private office, adds coworking memberships for the road team, and books a conference room for monthly all-hands meetings.


The result: a more flexible setup, lower costs, and a better employee experience.

“It’s about scaling your office the way you scale your business and your culture,” Hill explains.


A Stage for Charities and Non-Profits

Beyond business, Powerlink is becoming a gathering place for causes. The Saugeen Shores Rotary Club, for instance, is already using the space for meetings. But Hill saw an opportunity to go further.


“Every third Thursday of the month, we’re going to host an event in support of Rotary,” he says. “The first one is Powerlink Pizza & Puzzles—think trivia night with a twist, but for a good cause. People can come out, have fun, and support local charities.”


Each event will track funds raised, with the aim of building a running total that benefits specific community projects. “It’s a win-win,” Hill adds. “People get to enjoy themselves, and the community benefits.”


A Place for Entrepreneurs to Connect and Grow

One of the most exciting developments inside Powerlink is the diversity of tenants. From lawyers and realtors to therapists, startups, and tech programs like Stemvox, the building buzzes with ideas.


“We’ve got grade five students building robots in the same building as AI companies and therapists,” says Hill. “That kind of diversity sparks conversations you wouldn’t normally have. You end up talking to people you’d never meet in a traditional office environment, and friendships and collaborations grow naturally.”


Scenario in action: An entrepreneur who normally works from home can book a coworking pass at Powerlink. While grabbing coffee, they meet a local lawyer who shares advice on incorporation. Later, they attend a Rotary event in the same building and meet potential customers.


From there, the journey can expand through AREA 81, which gives entrepreneurs access to regional peer networks, mentorship, and programs designed to accelerate ventures across rural Ontario. “The spark often starts here in Powerlink,” Hill says, “but through AREA 81, it has a chance to grow beyond the building.”


“Companies aren’t doing business the way they were before. Some staff need a dedicated space, others just drop in, and sometimes you want to host a team-building event. We want you to be able to do all of that under one roof.”

Evenings of Music, Art, and Connection

The building isn’t just for work. Recently, Powerlink hosted an intimate performance by country artist Lisa McEwen, who debuted her album to a small audience. Guests described the evening as comfortable, engaging, and refreshingly different from typical venues.


“It had the vibe of a cocktail lounge,” says Hill. “People were literally sitting on couches, listening to music. During the break, they mingled and actually talked with each other—and with the artist. That’s something you don’t get at most venues.”




Powerlink plans to host more events like this—intimate concerts, art shows, and community experiences that blend culture with connection.


“I’m building the kind of experiences I’d want myself. People want to get out, connect, and do something meaningful — and Powerlink is the place where that happens.”

Powerlink Is For…

  • Companies who want flexibility to scale their office space, culture, and events.

  • Charities and non-profits who need professional, affordable venues for meetings and fundraisers.

  • Entrepreneurs who want both a local hub and a connection into AREA 81’s regional network.

  • Community members who simply want to enjoy a great night out, whether it’s puzzles, pizza, or live music.


Looking Ahead

Hill is clear about the vision: Powerlink is no longer just an office building. It’s a platform for business, community, and culture in Saugeen Shores.


“I’m building the kind of experiences I’d want myself,” he says. “People want to get out, connect, and do something meaningful. We’re making sure Powerlink is the place where that happens. And with AREA 81, those connections don’t stop at our doors—they extend across the region.”


Call to Action

Curious about how Powerlink and AREA 81 can work for you?

 
 
 

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