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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 22, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Remaking Oakville's map Where there's smoke Continued from page 1 "When they said they were naming a street after me, I had no idea it was going to be that one. To be able to share Water Street with Adam van Koeverden Street, it's almost synonymous." Van Koeverden won silver in the 500-metre kayaking singles event at this year's Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, completing an allpodium collection that he started with gold (500m) and bronze (1,000m) at the 2004 Games in Athens. He is also a former Lou Marsh Award (Canadian athlete of the year) winner, carried the Canadian flag during the closing ceremonies at the '04 Games and at the opening ceremonies of this year's Olympics, and was the valedictorian of his McMaster University graduating class last summer. But the accolades don't grow old. "It's fantastic. Everything is a new award," van Koeverden said. "Just like winning a new medal is a new medal. This is a huge honour and a great privilege." Oakville Mayor Rob "We're very proud of all our sports figures, and the Olympians are at the top. You have to be proud and celebrate it." Rob Burton, mayor of Oakville Burton, who mentioned all of Oakville's 2008 Olympic and Paralympic athletes during an introductory speech at the reception, said the Town was looking for a special way to tribute its champion paddler. "We're very proud of all our sports figures, and the Olympians are at the top," Burton said. "You have to be proud and celebrate it. We had a meeting where we were discussing what we could do, and one of our staff members said, 'Let's name Water St. after him'. That's where the (Burloak) club is, and I thought that was a wonderful idea." Ironically, the naming of the sign came shortly after van Koeverden purchased a condominium in Toronto. He'll still be spending plenty of time in Oakville, however, and will never forget his roots. "One of the considerations of where he bought (his condo) was how close it was to the GO Train line, because he'll be coming back every day," said van Koeverden's mother, Beata Bokrossy. "He used to train at the club twice a day, now it will be once a day. He's further away, but I don't think he'll be spending any less time in town." At the reception, which drew a substantial crowd, van Koeverden was also presented with a print designed by local digital illustrator Jeff Smalley. Van Koeverden then gathered for photos with the many young children in attendance and signed autographs for half an hour. The Loyola grad intends on competing at the 2012 Games in London, noting that there wasn't even a decision about dedicating four more years to training. "This is what I love to do," said van Koeverden. "I love having an obligation to the next generation of athletes in Canada, to make sure they're on the right path. There was no question in my mind." RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER FIREFIGHTERS WORK FAST: The Oakville Fire Department, Halton police and EMS personnel responded to a Friday morning apartment fire on the fifth floor of the complex at 2021 Merchants Gate. Fire officials said two occupants were in the apartment unit when the fire began in the bedroom, but were able to escape and closed the apartment door behind them. Moments later firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the blaze. While the fire was confined to the unit, several residents of the building were treated by Halton EMS for smoke inhalation.