Ontario couple heads to work after winning $40 million on Lotto Max

An Ontario couple tried to continue about their day as normal after learning they won $40 million on a Lotto Max ticket, still getting ready and heading to work.

But that didn’t last long for Stephanie and Bryan Cantwell of Owen Sound.

“We both tried to carry on with the day like nothing had happened but that lasted about five minutes,” Stephanie said in a news release from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

They left their workplaces and turned their attention to the winning ticket.

The couple won $40 million in the Sept. 17 Lotto Max draw.

That draw had a record-breaking jackpot of $80 million — which the Cantwells split with a winning ticket sold in Quebec.

The story of their win began when Bryan bought a Lotto Max ticket in Iroquois Falls for the Aug. 20 draw, the OLG said.

Bryan, who is 46 years old, and Stephanie, 47, and were in the town for a family event.

Nearly a month later, after the Sept. 17 draw, Bryan was checking his tickets on the OLG app.

The ticket bought in Iroquois Falls didn’t win — instead, the Aug. 20 $70 million jackpot was won by a couple who lives in the northern Ontario community.

But Bryan kept scanning and soon became aware of his own massive windfall.

“Big winner” and “$40 million” appeared on his screen, but he couldn’t believe it so he checked some other tickets to be sure the app was working.

“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’” Bryan said.

Stephanie was taking a shower, getting ready for work when Bryan went into the bathroom and handed her the phone.

“I wasn’t sure what was happening as he asked me to check the ticket. I thought I saw $40,000,” she said.

“That’s when he told me to take a second look and I screamed.”

The couple, in disbelief, briefly headed to work. Bryan worked in the skilled trades, Stephanie in the packaging industry.

When they left work not long after, they went to visit the family friend who sold them the ticket.

“I walked into the store the way I always do asking, ‘Did OLG call today?’” Bryan said. And soon enough, this time they would.

Bryan handed over one ticket to be checked and that one was a $20 winner.

He then handed over the big winner, and the family friend was in shock realizing they won $40 million.

Then, the OLG called the store to give them information about how to claim the massive prize.

“We have always been generous people and we dream of helping all the people we love,” Stephanie said.

“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.”

Bryan said they want to make sure the “generational wealth” lasts.

They took some time to think about what they wanted to do for themselves and so far, they’ve bought their dream home and Bryan got a new motorcycle.

Travelling to warm destinations is also among their plans.

But they’re also looking to help others — with one of the first people being Stephanie’s sister.

“She is the most caring person I know, and we want to help her buy a new home,” Stephanie said.

They also want to help their parents, as well as their children.

“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.

Their $40-million ticket was purchased at Petro Canada at Highway 6 and 10 in Owen Sound, the OLG said, noting it’s the seventh consecutive jackpot win in Ontario this year.