A Grande Prairie couple are planning to share a windfall after they discovered a six-figure prize on a LOTTO 6/49 ticket. The winners, Mona and Walter Merkley, learned in early May that their ticket and EXTRA number secured a $100,000 prize.
Local purchase, local news
The couple bought the winning LOTTO 6/49 and EXTRA ticket at the Circle K convenience store at 9109 92 Avenue in Grande Prairie. They scanned the ticket on May 2 and immediately realised the size of their prize. Walter Merkley recalled his first reaction and the moment he shared the news with his wife.
"Oh my God, I won some money,"
He said his next move was to go home and tell Mona, and that she was "thrilled." The pair described the win as "phenomenal" and said it will help them with a number of upcoming family commitments.
How the money will be used
The Merkleys told local media they intend to put the funds toward family needs and celebrations. Their stated priorities include assisting both of their mothers, giving their son additional support for an upcoming wedding, and starting education savings for grandchildren. They also said they hope to travel to New Brunswick next year, something they have not done for several years.
- Prize: $100,000.
- Game: LOTTO 6/49 with EXTRA.
- Ticket purchased at: Circle K, 9109 92 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
- Ticket scanned: May 2 (scan date provided by the winners).
The couple described the change in their circumstances in straightforward terms, saying the prize is what they consider ``life-changing.'' No further details about the ticket numbers or the method of claiming the prize were disclosed in the report.
Context for Grande Prairie residents
Jackpot and secondary-prize wins are a regular feature of provincial lotteries, and local retailers occasionally sell winning tickets that bring attention to community stores. For residents, the story underscores that significant prizes can be won on locally purchased tickets, and it highlights how a single payout can be distributed across family needs, events and travel plans.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winners | Mona and Walter Merkley |
| Prize amount | $100,000 |
| Purchase location | Circle K, 9109 92 Avenue, Grande Prairie |
| Scan date | May 2 |
The couple's plans to direct the money toward family support and celebrations reflects common uses for sudden, moderate-size lottery winnings. Their public comments were limited to how the funds will help relatives and to their travel plans; no specifics were provided about the amounts to be allocated to each purpose.
Local lottery winners are generally advised to review provincial guidelines on claiming prizes and consider financial and legal advice for substantial payouts. The Circle K location at 9109 92 Avenue will now be known, at least briefly, as the site where a six-figure prize ticket was sold to a Grande Prairie household.
Information in this report is based on an account provided by the winners to local media.
