Bill D., it's an honourary key in much the same way that a key to the town hall, when presented to someone who is being honored, is an honorary key. But people who aren't awarded the keys to town halls and, in this case, the municipal porta-potty, can still get into them without the key during regular business hours.

BWL (etc. etc. etc.), I was awarded the title by virtue of being the first person ever to write a limerick about Orillia, the "Limerick Capitol of the World", and home of Stephen Leacock, the world renowned "Limerick King".

I went to Orillia on a month-and-a-half long McGillgrimage, where I was graciously hosted by some of Orilia's finest citizens who showed me a really good time, and then I was crowned Ms McGill, and presented with the key.