Doing Business in Saugeen Shores

Saugeen Shores is one of Bruce County’s fastest-growing communities and a strong location for business, investment, and talent attraction. Located on the Lake Huron shoreline, Saugeen Shores combines the amenities of a larger urban centre with the quality of life of a smaller community.

Our local economy is supported by key sectors including clean energy, tourism, retail, food services, agriculture, construction, professional services, and small business. Saugeen Shores is also home to a growing network of Bruce Power employees, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. The current Town page identifies tourism, clean energy, retail, food services, and agriculture as key industries and notes the local clean energy supplier base.

Why businesses choose Saugeen Shores

A growing community

Saugeen Shores continues to experience strong residential and commercial growth, creating new opportunities for businesses, developers, employers, and service providers.

Clean energy advantage

Located just 25 kilometres from Bruce Power, Saugeen Shores is well positioned for companies serving Ontario’s clean energy and nuclear supply chain.

Quality of life that attracts talent

With beaches, trails, recreation facilities, schools, childcare options, health care services, and strong community amenities, Saugeen Shores offers a lifestyle that helps employers attract and retain workers.

Vibrant downtowns and commercial areas

Port Elgin and Southampton offer distinct commercial districts, active BIAs, tourism activity, restaurants, shops, services, and opportunities for year-round business growth.

Supportive business environment

The Town works with businesses, developers, investors, property owners, BIAs, the Chamber, Bruce County, Saugeen First Nation, and other partners to support economic development and community growth.

Key sectors

Clean Energy and Nuclear Supply Chain
Saugeen Shores is part of Ontario’s Clean Energy Region and benefits from proximity to Bruce Power, local suppliers, and regional innovation partners.

Tourism and Visitor Economy
With 18 kilometres of beachfront, natural attractions, trails, events, and world-famous sunsets, Saugeen Shores welcomes visitors throughout the year. The current Town page already highlights the community’s waterfront, trails, natural attractions, and tourism appeal.

Retail, Restaurants, and Services
Port Elgin and Southampton support a range of local shops, restaurants, personal services, professional offices, and visitor-facing businesses.

Agriculture and Agritourism
Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with opportunities for value-added agriculture, agritourism, food experiences, and local products.

Development and Construction
Ongoing population growth and building activity continue to create demand for housing, commercial space, services, trades, and supporting infrastructure.

 Useful links section

Explore our growing toolkit of resources to see how you can be part of our success: 

Considering an investment, expansion, or relocation?

Contact Economic Development to discuss your business plans, site requirements, available supports, and next steps.

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Expand the categories below for information about doing business in Saugeen Shores.

Saugeen Shores is located on Lake Huron in Bruce County, Ontario, is within easy reach of Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, and London. Blending urban amenities with rural charm, we offer a balanced lifestyle. Explore our resources for community insights on demographics, workforce, housing, taxation and more. 

Explore our Development StoryMap, which highlights commercial and residential opportunities in Saugeen Shores.

Tourism 

With 18 km of beachfront, natural attractions, trails, and world-famous sunsets, Saugeen Shores welcomes thousands of visitors each year. 

Retail & Food Service 

Southampton offers boutique shops and dining in a historic lakeside village, while Port Elgin’s vibrant main street features diverse retail and restaurants. 

Energy 

Home to many Bruce Power employees and suppliers, Saugeen Shores plays a key role in Ontario’s energy sector, boasting incomes above the national average. Explore the Clean Energy Industry Map to learn more. 

Agriculture 

Two-thirds of local land supports cash crops, alongside livestock operations in beef, dairy, and hog farming. 

Saugeen Shores currently offers investment incentives for the following projects: 

Development charge exemptions for: 

  • Non-residential in commercial core 

  • Mixed use (residential/retail) in commercial core 

  • Government funded/supported affordable housing in commercial core 

  • Conversion of vacant structures 

  • Building Permit fee reduction for accessibility/facade improvement in commercial core 

  • Sign Permit fee reduction for accessibility/facade improvements in commercial core