A long-time lottery player from Orillia is $5 million richer.
Paul Cousineau won the cash in the Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot on March 19th.
Cousineau, an administrative professional in the hospitality industry, says it was a regular day when he decided to pick up a ticket at his usual store where he had been buying them for years.
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He didn't immediately check his tickets after the draw.
"I waited about four weeks. By then, I had over 20 tickets to share," Cousineau shared.
When he went to the store to validate his ticket, the lottery terminal froze.
"I remained calm and carried on with my day, only telling my cousin about my win. I even made him take an oath of silence."
Cousineau downplayed his win when questioned by his grandson.
"Unexpectedly, my grandson checked my ticket and asked, 'Did you win the jackpot?' I told him, 'No, but I won $5,000!' I wanted to keep the win a secret until I had the cheque in hand."
Cousineau plans a big reveal at a family barbecue.
He says the win is a "dream come true."
But there is something missing that he can't undo but will cherish a memory with his new found wealth.
"I lost my wife last year. Her dream was to take an Alaskan cruise, and I want to honour that by going on one for my 52nd birthday this fall."
"I'll have her urn with me, so in a way, she'll be with me on this trip."
