Owen Sound, Ont. couple celebrate $40 million lottery win

A couple from Owen Sound, Ont. is celebrating their good fortune after becoming instant multi-millionaires with Lotto Max.

Stephanie, 47, and Bryan Cantwell, 46, were overjoyed and stunned to learn they had won $40 million in the Sept. 17 draw when the jackpot hit $80 million for the first time in Canadian lottery history.

The couple split the massive jackpot with another winning ticket sold in Quebec.

Bryan said he checked his ticket on the OLG app and had to do a double-take when the words Big Winner appeared on the screen.

"I was still in shock, so I checked some other tickets to ensure the app was working properly," he recalled. "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 in the shower getting ready for work when Bryan showed his phone to her.

"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."

Stephanie and Bryan Cantwell of Owen Sound, Ont., won $40 million in the Sept. 17, 2024, Lotto Max draw. (Source: OLG)

Despite the life-altering win, the couple was in such disbelief that they both proceeded to get ready and go to work.

Stephanie worked in the packaging industry and Bryan in the skilled trades.

"We had told some of our family members, so I was literally walking into work on the phone with my dad and had to pause because he got very emotional, and I did, and he just kept saying, 'I can't believe this happens to real people," Stephanie shared.

"We both tried to carry on with the day like nothing had happened, but that lasted about five minutes," Stephanie laughed.

The couple had to wipe away tears as Stephanie shared that their younger years had seen some challenges.

"Life hasn't been easy for us... if you've always had the rug pulled out from underneath you, it's an expectation that it's going to happen again, so being here today and seeing the realness of it all, it's all so very exciting, but it's also very daunting," she said.

Still, the Cartwell's hope to do some good with their millions, including helping Stephanie's sister purchase a home.

"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.

The couple plan to take some time to let the situation sink in.

"Sometimes, we just look at each other and laugh at this great fortune! It's still unbelievable," they concluded.

The winning lottery ticket was purchased at the Petro-Canada on Highway 6 and 10 in Owen Sound.