'It's still just surreal': Work trip turns into $500K lotto win for B.C. man
A northern B.C. man is $500,000 richer after picking a winning ticket while on a work trip in Richmond.
It's been nearly a month since Moberly Lake resident Rudy Paquette matched all four of the Extra numbers from the Dec. 15 Lotto Max draw and the news is still sinking in.
"It really hasn't hit home," Paquette told the B.C. Lottery Corporation in a news release about winning the half-million-dollar prize. "It's still just surreal."
Paquette was in Richmond for work when he discovered he had won at an International News store on River Road — the same retailer he purchased the ticket from.
"I thought it was someone else who won at first and the retailer who scanned my ticket had to tell me it was me who won," Paquette recalled.
He couldn't wait to share the news with his wife, who was "very happy" for him.
As for what he plans to do with his winnings, Paquette has a few ideas.
"House renovations are the bucket list item. I want to make it look new," he said. "All of the extras can come later."
Paquette also hopes to take a trip to Las Vegas for a golf tournament.
According to the BCLC, lottery players in B.C. redeemed more than $38 million in winnings from the Extra and more than $212 million from Lotto Max in 2023.
The Extra is an add-on option available with the Daily Grand, Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max and BC/49.
Matching all four Extra numbers gets a top prize of $500,000. The odds of winning that amount are approximately one in 3,764,376, according to the BCLC.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.