Article – The $80 million question in Surrey has been answered. After weeks of anticipation, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation confirmed yesterday that Nanaimo resident George Wilson, a 61-year-old retired shipyard worker, claimed the largest lottery prize in provincial history.
Wilson, who purchased the winning Lotto Max ticket at the Panorama Ridge Convenience Store in Surrey while visiting his daughter’s family, described the moment he checked his numbers as “absolute disbelief.”
“I thought the machine was broken,” Wilson told reporters at the BCLC prize claim centre, his hands visibly shaking as he held the ceremonial cheque. “I had to ask the store clerk to verify it, and when her eyes went wide, that’s when it started to feel real.”
The record-breaking jackpot surpasses the previous BC lottery record of $70 million claimed by Adrian Olmstead in 2020. According to BCLC spokesperson Jennifer Smith, Wilson’s win represents a significant milestone for lottery programs in western Canada.
“This type of life-changing win demonstrates exactly why lottery players continue to dream big,” Smith said. “Our retailers across Surrey reported unprecedented ticket sales as the jackpot grew to this historic level.”
The community connection runs deeper than just where the ticket was purchased. Wilson, who had been making regular trips from Vancouver Island to Surrey to help his daughter renovate her first home, says he rarely plays the lottery but felt compelled to buy a ticket during his last visit.
“Something just told me to stop and pick up a ticket. My daughter had just put her kids to bed, and I walked down to the store to grab milk,” Wilson explained, still processing his newfound wealth. “I picked the numbers based on family birthdays—nothing special, just dates that matter to us.”
Local reaction in Surrey has been enthusiastic, with the Panorama Ridge Convenience Store now enjoying minor celebrity status. Store owner Raj Sharma reports a 30% increase in lottery ticket sales since news broke about the winning ticket’s origin.
“Everyone wants to touch the machine that printed the lucky ticket,” Sharma told the National Post. “It’s like they think some of that good fortune might rub off.”
Wilson’s win comes at a particularly meaningful time. Having lost his wife to cancer two years ago, he says the money offers a chance to secure his family’s future while honoring her memory.
“Marion always talked about establishing a scholarship fund for nursing students. That’s the first thing I’m going to do,” Wilson said, his voice catching. “She was cared for by some amazing health care workers, and this is my way of paying it forward.”
Financial advisors recommend lottery winners take time before making major decisions. Teresa Falk, a wealth management expert with RBC Royal Bank, suggests winners assemble a team of advisors before allocating funds.
“Coming into substantial wealth overnight requires careful planning,” Falk noted. “We typically advise clients to wait at least three months before making significant financial commitments.”
Wilson appears to be heeding such advice, stating he plans to invest the majority of the winnings while establishing trusts for his grandchildren’s education. However, he has already decided on one splurge—a fishing boat he’s had his eye on for years.
“I’ve been looking at this center console fishing boat for about five years. Now I can finally pull the trigger,” he laughed. “Though I suspect I’ll still be bargaining for the best price. Some habits are hard to break.”
According to BCLC statistics, the odds of winning a Lotto Max jackpot are approximately 1 in 33,294,800. When asked how it feels to overcome such astronomical odds, Wilson shrugged.
“Someone has to win, right? Guess the universe decided it was my turn.”
The impact of such massive jackpots extends beyond individual winners. Last fiscal year, the BCLC generated $1.3 billion in revenue that was directed toward healthcare, education, and community programs throughout British Columbia. Lottery revenues specifically contributed approximately $419 million to provincial coffers, according to the BCLC’s annual report.
For the Surrey community, Wilson’s win has sparked conversations about luck, fortune, and possibility. Local schools report students discussing probability in math classes, while community social media groups buzz with “what would you do?” scenarios.
Wilson plans to remain in Nanaimo but will continue his regular visits to Surrey. “My roots are still on the Island, but my family is here too. The money doesn’t change that—if anything, it just means I can help them more.”
As for advice to future lottery hopefuls, Wilson offered a philosophical take: “Live your life like you’ll never win, but keep just enough hope that you might. That’s the sweet spot.”
The BCLC notes that the next Lotto Max jackpot starts at $10 million, with draws occurring every Tuesday and Friday.
