An Ontario couple has won $40 million from last month’s OLG Lotto Max jackpot, which hit a record of $80 million for the first time in lottery history.
Stephanie, 47 and Bryan Cantwell, 46 of Owen Sound, split the grand prize with another winning ticket sold in Quebec.
OLG says Bryan’s winning ticket was one of many he purchased in Iroquois Falls, Ont. The day after the Sept. 17 draw, he immediately started checking his tickets on the OLG app.
“I was still in shock, so I checked some other tickets to ensure the app was working properly,” Bryan told OLG in an interview.
“I went back to the winning ticket and scanned it again and again. I think I checked it seven or eight times. The message remained the same – ‘Big Winner’ and ‘$40 million!’” he continued.
He said Stephanie was getting ready for work when he barged into the bathroom to tell her the big news as she was still in the shower.
“I wasn’t sure what was happening as he asked me to check the ticket. I thought I saw $40,000,” recalled Stephanie. “That’s when he told me to take a second look and I screamed!” Stephanie said.
OLG says Stephanie worked in the packaging industry and Bryan in the skilled trades.
“We both tried to carry on with the day like nothing had happened but that lasted about five minutes,” Stephanie said.
Following the news, the couple left their workplaces early and decided to surprise the family friend who sold them the ticket.
At first, Bryan handed the friend a ticket which won $20, but afterwards he gave her the Lotto Max ticket and she was in shock when she realized it was the winning $40 million dollar ticket.
The couple says though it is a life changing moment, they understand the responsibility that comes with managing the wealth.
“We have always been generous people and we dream of helping all the people we love…But I am the budget queen, and we need to be careful to ensure we can make the most impact with this money for family, friends, and the community,” Stephanie said, as Bryan adds, “This is generational wealth, and we want to make this last.”
Stephanie says one of the first things she will do with the money is help her sister, followed by the couple’s parents and their children.
“She is the most caring person I know, and we want to help her buy a new home,” she said.
“One request from our daughter is to refurbish an old Ford Bronco and as a car guy, I will be happy to help make that dream come true,” Bryan said.
As per the couple, the pair are planning to buy their dream home, while Bryan wants to purchase a new motorcycle after damaging his old bike.
“I have never gone into a motorcycle shop and pointed to a new bike. I was hoping to get a decent used one,” Bryan said.
Meanwhile, Stephanie hopes to travel more to tropical destinations.
“Sometimes we just look at each other and laugh at this great fortune! It’s still unbelievable,” the couple said.
The $40 million LOTTO MAX ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada at Highway 6 and 10 in Owen Sound.
