A couple from Owen Sound, Ont. are 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 handed 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.”

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 both tried to carry on with the day like nothing had happened, but that lasted about five minutes,” Stephanie laughed, adding they both decided to leave their workplaces to share the news with family.

“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.