The so-called mid-market “toll booths” are critical to North America’s energy infrastructure. More importantly, the country’s overall exports could suffer without it. Following the US military intervention in Venezuela and plans to take over the oil industry, Canadian pipelines have become strategic assets in supporting domestic production growth and moving the country’s oil.
If you want to invest in 2026, you can start with $1,000 to buy shares TC Energy (TSX:TRP) or Keyera (TSX:KEY). Both pipeline stocks generate strong contracted cash flows and pay generous dividends. You can also hold both forever.
TC Energy has a strong bull case following the spin-off of its liquids business and move into gas pipelines. The $79.5 billion will preserve or preserve the 3,700 km of natural gas pipelines after the restructuring. About 25% of the total natural gas consumption in North America passes through this enormous network.
Natural gas pipelines account for 90% of the total business mix. In addition to its low-risk portfolio, TC Energy has an unrivaled footprint in Canada, the US and Mexico. The demand for natural gas in these three countries is expected to grow significantly by 2035.
President and CEO, François Poirier, said after three quarters in 2025: “Driven by robust North American energy fundamentals, strong asset performance and exceptional project execution, we are extending our annual comparable EBITDA growth outlook of 5% to 7% through 2028. Our strategy is working, delivering consistent value without taking on additional risk.”
As a natural gas and energy company, TC Energy aims to be the leading provider of clean energy infrastructure for AI data centers and the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets.
If you invest today, TRP trades at $76.41 per share and pays a hefty 4.45% dividend. Your $1,000 can buy 13 shares and generate $44.30 in annual dividends. A compelling reason to invest is the 25-year dividend growth streak. For the period 2026 to 2028, the annual dividend growth guidance is 3% to 5%.
NGL company on a national scale
Keyera owns the Key Access Pipeline System, or KAPS, a major 575-kilometre natural gas liquids (NGL) and condensate pipeline system in Alberta. KAPS is this company’s largest project with a value of $10.3 billion. Moreover, the energy infrastructure activities are mainly based on fees for services.
The business consists of collecting and processing natural gas; NGL’s processing, transportation, storage and marketing; and the production and sale of isooctane. KEY trades at $44.99 per share, with a dividend yield of 4.8%. An investment of $1,000 (22 shares) returns $48 annually. You can accumulate more shares later to increase dividend income.
Keyera will become a national-scale NGL company in 2026 once it completes the $5.15 billion transaction to acquire Plains All American Pipeline LP’s Canadian NGL business. Its CEO, Dean Setoguchi, said strategically important energy infrastructure will be in Canadian hands. He added that Keyera wants what is good for Canada.
Serious wealth
A $1,000 investment in TC Energy or Keyera is money well spent. If finances allow, consider picking up more shares of both pipeline stocks to build serious wealth over time.
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