Tiny Quebec Fishing Village Celebrates As 14 Neighbors Become Instant Multi-Millionaires

September 22, 2025

In the remote fishing town of St. Paul’s River, Quebec, a single lottery ticket has changed life forever.

Fourteen longtime friends and neighbors struck gold in September when their Lotto Max pool hit the $50-million jackpot—making nearly 10% of the community multi-millionaires.

Photo: Cantechletter.com

The winners, many of whom have been playing together for 18 years, each walked away with about $3.5 million. The news first reached Della Spingle and her husband, Chesley Griffin, owners of the local general store where the winning ticket was purchased.

“It was hard to believe this, right? And I’ve been giggling ever since,” said Spingle, laughing about the moment she got the call from her cashier that morning.

The store itself didn’t miss out on the good fortune. Griffin, as the ticket seller, also earned a $500,000 bonus. Now, he says he’s thinking about retiring earlier than planned.

But the impact of the win goes far beyond the lucky group. Carpenters and contractors in the village of around 200 people are already being swamped with requests for home renovations and upgrades that residents had dreamed about for years.

“The local carpenters… they’re getting bombarded with calls,” Griffin shared. “It’s really a win for the whole community.”

The celebrations have brought joy and laughter to every corner of St. Paul’s River. The winners include seniors finally looking toward retirement, families eager to provide for their children, and even a mother-and-son duo. Four of the winners live on the same street, leading one resident to affectionately nickname it “Millionaires’ Row.”

For Mayor Dale Roberts-Keats, the moment is unforgettable.

“I’m standing in this beautiful place watching 14 members of our community become millionaires—it’s almost unbelievable,” she said, smiling ear to ear.