Local news and information site Examiner.com, which now covers more than 150 U.S. cities, on Thursday will launch a Canadian version.

Examiner.com initially will provide localized content for five cities -- Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

CEO Rick Blair said in a prepared statement, "Examiner.com Canada will provide a showcase for Canadian writers and experts, allowing them to build their audience and provide valuable insights to Examiner readers across the country."

The company says it expects to have more than 100 Canadian writers and photographers by the time the site launches later this week. Examiner.com currently has more than 18,500 writers (or "Examiners") covering 155 (and counting) U.S. cities. The company plans to expand next year into the United Kingdom and other countries.