Get a handle on what's available in your area with weblocal.ca

Weblocal.ca, an online search site for finding and reviewing local businesses, products or services in communities across Canada, was launched by Transcontinental Media Monday, Nov. 3.

Highly interactive, weblocal.ca is driven by content shared by users such as recommendations, ratings and reviews, as well as pictures and videos.

In addition, users can also access editorial content and reviews from other websites, create a profile and build a community of friends and neighbours, and take advantage of mobile search functions.

Weblocal.ca, which can be found at www.NovaNewsNow.com, searches an enriched and complete database of all businesses in Canada and delivers detailed business information that may include opening hours, payment methods, price lists and menus, which complements the user-generated content that makes weblocal.ca unique.

“Providing local community content and solutions has been identified as one of Transcontinental’s key growth opportunities for the future,” said François Oliver, president and chief executive officer, Transcontinental Inc. “Weblocal.ca gives Canadians a truly unique way to ‘find, rate, share’ the businesses and services they love, and it will complement Transcontinental’s existing portfolio of daily and community newspapers, magazines and websites.”

Marc-Noel Ouellette, senior vice president, newspaper group, Transcontinental Media, says with Transcontinental’s established local sales force of over 400 representatives and its online portfolio of over 125 websites, it has an incredible opportunity to build a very meaningful and useful online resource for consumers and advertisers.

“With weblocal.ca, we offer a unique platform for local businesses to increase their visibility, manage their business profile and share with their community,” Ouellette said.

Weblocal.ca, a joint venture in partnership with YellowBot, a leading U.S.-based local search company, is a wholly-owned property of Transcontinental Media. YellowBot was recently recognized as the most innovative new search engine by Search Engine Strategies.

- The Guardian