In the flow: 7 pipeline builders boosting Canada’s economy

Pipelines are among the most critical components of Canada’s energy and industrial infrastructure. Spanning thousands of kilometres, these systems transport crude oil, natural gas, refined fuels, and increasingly, carbon dioxide and hydrogen — connecting resource basins to refineries, ports, manufacturing hubs, and domestic markets.

Behind every kilometre of pipeline laid is a complex, capital-intensive process that requires highly specialized construction contractors. These firms not only deliver the physical infrastructure but also help enable economic activity that supports entire regions.

Surerus

Surerus is a leading Canadian pipeline contractor, particularly active in Western Canada. Operating since 1969, it has installed over 8,000 km of pipeline across challenging terrain, including large-diameter installations and integrity programs. Recently, Surerus (as Surerus Murphy) was named the prime contractor for the Cedar Link Project, which leverages existing Coastal GasLink infrastructure to support the Cedar LNG project.

O.J. Pipelines

O.J. Pipelines focuses on large-diameter, cross-country transmission pipelines and has been active in Canada since 1989. The company is known for executing technically complex builds under extreme weather and terrain conditions. O.J. Pipelines has contributed to key national projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion and has worked with major pipeline operators including TC Energy and Enbridge. It operates as part of the Canam Group and also provides specialized welding and coating services.

Michels Canada

Michels Canada offers a wide range of pipeline construction services, including trenchless installations (horizontal directional drilling and Direct Pipe), as well as open-cut pipeline builds. They have been active in both traditional oil and gas pipelines and emerging sectors such as carbon capture and hydrogen infrastructure. Michels was a key contractor on the Coastal GasLink project and has also worked on the Trans Mountain Expansion. As of 2025, the company continues to expand its presence in clean energy transmission projects.

Ledcor

Ledcor is a diversified construction company with extensive experience in pipeline construction, particularly in oil and gas sectors. The company provides pipeline installation, maintenance, and facility construction services. It has completed projects for clients such as Suncor, TransCanada (now TC Energy), and Enbridge. Ledcor was involved in several oil sands infrastructure expansions and continues to work on pipeline and energy transition projects across Alberta and British Columbia.

Bantrel

Bantrel is an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm with significant experience in heavy industrial infrastructure. The company has supported pipeline projects as part of broader energy facility construction, including oil sands extraction and processing. While not a pure-play pipeline constructor, Bantrel plays a major role in integrated project delivery, especially in early-phase engineering and execution planning. The firm has been involved in carbon capture, hydrogen, and petrochemical infrastructure developments as of 2025.

Aecon Group

Aecon is one of Canada’s largest publicly traded infrastructure companies and operates across energy, utilities, transportation, and industrial sectors. The company’s Aecon Industrial division handles oil, gas, and utility pipeline systems, including pipeline fabrication and facility tie-ins. While Aecon is more active in civil and energy infrastructure, it has contributed to several utility corridor and station upgrade projects connected to broader pipeline systems. In 2024–25, Aecon has increased its involvement in energy transition projects, including hydrogen-ready infrastructure and district energy systems.

AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis provides engineering and project management services across global infrastructure markets, including energy and mining. The company has played a role in pipeline-related work through front-end engineering design (FEED) and EPCM (engineering, procurement, and construction management) services. While not a direct pipeline construction firm, AtkinsRéalis has contributed to environmental assessment, route planning, and regulatory compliance for energy infrastructure in Canada. In 2025, the company is increasing its presence in low-carbon infrastructure, including support for carbon pipelines and hydrogen networks.