When Stephanie and Bryan Cantwell of Owen Sound would ride their motorcycles down their favourite route, they passed a house and a piece of property that always caught their eye. The dream of owning it passes quickly as they speed by. However, that dream came true once the couple discovered they had the winning $40 million ticket from the historic September 17, 2024 Lotto Max draw. That’s when the Lotto Max jackpot hit $80 million for the first time in Canadian lottery history. Stephanie and Bryan split the Lotto Max jackpot with another winning ticket sold in Quebec.
During a joyous winner celebration in Toronto, Bryan said he enjoys purchasing a Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 Quick Pick ticket once a week, usually from the same store where a friend of the family works. The story of the Cantwell’s $40 million win started when Bryan purchased a Lotto Max ticket in Iroquois Falls for the August 20th draw. The couple were in the northern community for a family event. The day after the September 17th draw, Bryan started checking his tickets on the OLG app. The ticket purchased in Iroquois Falls turned out not to be a winner. That $70 million winning ticket was purchased by a couple living in the community. Although slightly disappointed that he didn’t have that specific winning ticket, Bryan carried on scanning his other tickets. His frown quickly turned into a smile when he saw ‘Big Winner’ and ‘$40 million’ on the screen.
“I was still in shock, so I checked some other tickets to ensure the app was working properly,” Bryan recounted. “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!’”
Stephanie was getting ready for work when Bryan barged into the bathroom and handed the phone to Stephanie while she was 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!”
Although the couple were in disbelief that they were about to become multi-millionaires, they still got ready and headed to work. 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 laughed.
The couple left their workplaces and decided to surprise the family friend who sold them the ticket at the store.
“I walked into the store the way I always do asking, ‘Did OLG call today?’,” Bryan laughed. With Stephanie looking on, Bryan handed their friend one ticket and the ‘winner/gagnant” sound rang out, but that ticket had won $20. Bryan then handed her another Lotto Max ticket. Their friend was left in shock when she realized she had validated the $40 million ticket. All three shared a wonderful moment together before OLG called the store to give them information about claiming this life-changing prize.
As the magnitude of the win starts to settle in, Stephanie, who is 47 years old and Bryan, who is 46 years old, say they have had moments of extreme excitement balanced with reality checks.
“We have always been generous people and we dream of helping all the people we love,” said Stephanie. “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.”
“This is generational wealth, and we want to make this last,” added Bryan.
One of the first people they want to help is Stephanie’s sister.
“She is the most caring person I know, and we want to help her buy a new home,” said Stephanie.
The couple will also help their parents and 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,” beamed Bryan.
It took the couple some time to finally think about what they want to do for themselves. In addition to buying their dream home, Bryan purchased a new motorcycle after an accident damaged his old bike a few weeks ago.
“I have never gone into a motorcycle shop and pointed to a new bike. I was hoping to get a decent used one,” said Bryan.
Stephanie loves to travel and sees many sunny and warm destinations in their future.
And as the couple contemplate their future as multi-millionaires, they both said of this overwhelming experience, “Sometimes we just look at each other and laugh at this great fortune! It’s still unbelievable.”
The $40 million winning Lotto Max ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada at Highway 6 and 10 in Owen Sound.
