A couple from Merritt picked up $500,000 in the Jan. 3 Lotto Max draw.
MItch and Florence Wilkinson were one of the 30 Maxmillion winners, splitting the $1-million prize with a winner from Ontario.
"We bought a few more tickets than normal because we knew the jackpot was $70 million," says Mitch in a press release from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. "Even with $500,000, we were still shaking holding the big cheque!"
The winning ticket was sold at Black's Pharmacy in Merritt.
The good news means early retirement may be in the cards for Mitch; 2020 marks the 31st winter he has worked plowing snow on the Coquihalla Highway.
"It's been a real challenge on the Coquihalla over the years, keeping the roads clear and drivers safe," he says. "Even though it's tough, I still enjoy doing what I do."
The couple says they plan to put most of their winnings in savings. Some will be used for home renovations.
The record-breaking $70-million ticket was sold in Brampton, Ont.
