'We were very happy': Ottawa couple wins $55 million Lotto Max jackpot
Keith and Debra Polachek say they have not made any major plans with their winnings after becoming Ottawa's newest millionaires.
The retired married couple won the $55 million Lotto Max jackpot in the Aug. 11 draw.
"Our reaction was laid back, but we were very happy. We realized we had a lot of preparation to do," Debra said as the couple picked up their prize from OLG.
"We'll take some time to think through the situation and figure out next steps," Keith added.
The couple says they've been playing the lottery occasionally for several years, and typically buy tickets when the jackpots are high.
"We used to talk about what we’d do if we ever won the lottery," Debra said. "When it happened, it was kind of what we had discussed."
Keith and Debra shared the news with a close friend before they started planning.
"They were so happy for us. In fact, I think they were more excited than we were!"
The couple says they haven't made any major plans for their winnings and are working through the "steps on our to-do list." They did buy some new toys and treats for their dogs.
"We’re happy to be together and experience this win as a team. We’ve always had a good life, and this win is a wonderful bonus," the couple said, adding they plan to give back in ways that are meaningful to them.
The couple purchased the winning ticket at a Shoppers Drug Mart on Bank Street.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stellantis recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles to fix software glitch that disables rear camera
Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a software glitch that can disable the rearview cameras.
Canada sanctions 13 more Russians for role in Navalny's imprisonment and death
Canada is sanctioning 13 more Russians from the intelligence service, police force and corrections system for their role in the poisoning, imprisonment and death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
South Korean soldiers fire warning shots after North Korean troops cross border, apparently in error
South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the rivals' heavily fortified land border Tuesday for the second time this month, the South's military said. Both incursions were believed to be unintentional.
Staples stores begin accepting Amazon returns under new partnership
Canadians can now return their Amazon orders through Staples. The e-commerce giant says the office supply retailer's 298 stores are now equipped to handle Amazon returns.
3 people dead, including gunman, after shooting in Toronto office space: police
The gunman who killed a man and a woman is among the deceased after a triple shooting inside an office space near a daycare and a school in North York on Monday afternoon, according to police.
EXCLUSIVE 'They were literally feral': Demands for answers in horrific B.C. case of child neglect
A horrific case of child neglect involving three young children has their extended family in northern B.C. demanding answers.
Ottawa couple's loan payments more than double after new company takes over financing
An Ottawa couple is sharing their buyer beware story and the importance of reading the fine print in contracts, following a shocking price hike and interest rate adjustment for their home furnace financing.
Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during Biden's Los Angeles trip, police say
A U.S. Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint as President Joe Biden was visiting Los Angeles for a fundraising event over the weekend, officials said.
Gordon Ramsay says he's 'lucky' to be alive, shows off severe bruising after cycling accident
Gordon Ramsay says he’s grateful to be alive but shaken after a recent cycling accident in Connecticut.