Shannon Tweed Day stripped off Ottawa's calendar
Last Updated: Thursday, July 9, 2009 | 3:39 PM ET
CBC News
Musician Gene Simmons, left, and actress Shannon Tweed, seen in Los Angeles in May, will be in Ottawa next week for the Bluesfest, where Simmons will perform with his band Kiss. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press)Ottawa's current acting mayor has been told that he can't proclaim a day in Ottawa to honour a former Playboy playmate.
Doug Thompson is taking his turn in the rotation of acting mayors who are replacing Larry O'Brien while he's on trial facing charges of influence peddling.
One of Thompson's first moves was to declare next Wednesday Shannon Tweed Day after the former playmate, who lived in Ottawa for several years.
Tweed will be in town next week with her partner, Gene Simmons of the band Kiss, who are playing at Ottawa's Bluesfest.
After Thompson made the proclamation, he was told that the honour is reserved for longtime residents who have made significant contributions to Ottawa.
Coun. Jan Harder said that the honour cannot simply be bestowed on someone who is well known and has lived in the city.
"It's a frivolous use of a proclamation process to honour somebody who, quite frankly, means nothing to the city of Ottawa," said Harder.
The city's criteria say that an organization or individual simply has to be associated with Ottawa to receive a proclamation.
Tweed worked as a model in Ottawa for four years, but became better known during her playmate days and through her connection with Simmons. The couple star along with their teenage children in a reality television show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
When Thompson emerged from Wednesday's meeting — the final council meeting for the summer — he said he hadn't followed proper protocol.
"To be honest, I really didn't know who she was," said Thompson.
"I spoke to the media before the item had been fully vetted and I made a mistake, I admit it. I take full responsibility for that."
The city has honoured astronaut Steven MacLean, but it has also proclaimed World Hypnotism Day and Laughter Day.
