Shuswap man takes home $500,000 lottery prize

A Salmon Arm man is looking happy after winning half a million dollars playing Lotto Max at the beginning of the month.

Michael Heater matched all four Extra numbers on the May 3 draw, which meant that he won the top prize of $500,000.

“I was in my office when I checked my tickets and thought, ‘this can’t be real,” he was quoted saying in a press release from the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

Heater was quick to share the exciting news.

“I’ve told a lot of people already,” he said.

READ MORE: One-million-dollar prize ‘still doesn’t feel real’ for Summerland lotto winner

Heater isn’t exactly sure what to do with his new fortune, but he is considering a new truck.

“Exciting and so surreal. It will relieve some worries, but I’ve always just played for fun," he said.

The ticket was purchased at the Hideaway Liquor Store on Lakeshore Drive. Heater discovered it was a top-prize winner by checking it on the BCLC app.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Dan Walton

Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
Dan is always happy to hear from readers. To get in touch for any reason he can be contacted at (250) 488-3065 or dwalton@infonews.ca.