Long-time Orillia lottery player hits the jackpot
Orillia man kept win a secret from his family until a recent big reveal barbecue. Tue., June 3, 2025.
Paul Cousineau of Orillia won $5 million in the Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot on March 19.
'It was a regular day when I decided to pick up a ticket at my usual store. I've been buying my tickets there for years,' he said.
Cousineau said he didn't check his tickets immediately. 'I waited about four weeks. By then, I had over 20 tickets to check,' he said.
When he finally went to the store to validate his ticket, the lottery terminal froze. 'I remained calm and carried on with my day,' he said.
When asked how it feels to win the lottery, Cousineau said, 'It's absolutely surreal. I'm overjoyed and shaking. All the anticipation I've felt has led to this moment, and it's a dream come true.'
To keep the news under wraps before making a big announcement to his family, Paul deliberately downplayed his win, even when his grandson questioned him.
'Unexpectedly, my grandson checked my ticket and asked, 'Did you win the jackpot?' I told him, 'No, but I won $5,000!''
'I wanted to keep my win a secret until I had the cheque in hand. Now, I have a big reveal planned for our family barbecue.'
There is a bittersweet element to his win.
Cousineau said the past year has been a difficult time for him.
'I lost my wife last year. Her dream was to take an Alaskan cruise, and I want to honour that by going on one for my 52nd birthday this fall.
'I'll have her urn with me, so in a way, she'll be with me on this trip.'
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