Councillors have no contingency plans if Ottawa's tourism authority folds under city funding cuts.

"The consequences have not been that well thought out," said Councillor Rainer Bloess. "The city is not in a position to do (the work). When we made those cuts, we didn't think about it."

There would be no one immediately available to cover the work of the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority, such as providing tourism information and liaising with prospective conventioneers, Bloess said.

Tourism authority president Jacques Burelle has said his organization will cease to exist if a proposed 89-per-cent funding cut is approved in the final budget March 24.

"It gives us all a sober second thought," Bloess said. "I am not prepared to live with the consequences of these (economic) agencies shutting down because part of it is I don't think we have a plan B."

"I am unaware of any plan to fill the role of the OTCA," said Councillor Herb Kreling.

However, he said such concerns would be taken into consideration by council.

"Yes, I'm sure that's going to be in councillors' minds as we deal with that issue, absolutely. I think it's going to affect how everyone's going to vote."

Worrying about who will deliver tourism services is premature, Councillor Rob Jellett said.

"I think we have to back up a bit and (ask) how removal of the city funding would cause the (tourism authority) to shut down. That is their decision to make. They can do what Toronto has done by putting in a voluntary tax and deal with their funding themselves. I reject the premise and I don't think we need to go that far at this point."

City council has suggested the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association help fund the tourism authority with a proposed voluntary "destination marketing fee" of three per cent.

Jellett said he does not know of any discussions about what would happen if the tourism authority closes. He would like to see a provincially legislated tax fund the tourism authority, market the city and also fund festivals and museums, he said.

Jellett said the possibility of the authority closing will not influence his vote on budget day.

A phone call to city hall's customer service call centre revealed general tourism inquiries are directed to the National Capital Commission's information centre and the tourism authority, but no information is available to help a caller with convention questions.

According to Jantine Van Kregten, director of communications at the tourism authority, a typical day sees the OTCA information officer answer 30 phone inquiries and 25 e-mail queries. In February, 600 information packages were sent to potential tourists.

The authority's responsibilities also include bringing events to town, she said. For example, Ottawa will host the NHL entry draft in June 2005.

The draft will bring 2,000 delegates to town, translating into 4,932 room nights and an estimated economic impact of $2.5 million.

The tourism authority's convention services manager has been liaising with the league to prepare for the event and is currently helping it decide on a venue for a 500-person reception, Van Kregten said.

Recently, the tourism authority's convention sales co-ordinator helped secure a faith-based conference in Ottawa that will bring 1,000 participants to the city in October 2005.

Kreling did provide a glimmer of hope for the tourism authority.

"At best, we've got funding cuts across the whole ... delivery of services right now. (We're) trying to find what that correct balance is and it may very well be what is proposed in the draft budget for the OTCA is not what will come to be on final passage of the budget."