Ottawa Police's Third Annual Beeping Eggs Project

The third annual Beeping Eggs Project in Ottawa brought families together this spring for an inclusive Easter egg hunt designed for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Unlike traditional egg hunts, participants searched for plastic eggs equipped with small electronic beepers, allowing children to locate them independently by sound. The event continues to highlight the importance of accessibility, independence, and community inclusion.

The initiative traces back to 2005, when David Hyche, a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI), wanted his young daughter—who is blind—to fully participate in an Easter egg hunt. After researching accessible options, he built the first beeping eggs with the help of bomb technicians and explosives specialists, whose experience with electronic circuitry made them well-suited for the task. The first event in Birmingham, Alabama welcomed 11 children and quickly grew, expanding to hundreds of participants and multiple locations across the United States.

Today, similar events are held in communities across North America, including Ottawa, where the project is now in its third year.

This year’s event was supported by partners including CNIB, OPS Auxiliary, the Ottawa Police Association, and the Ottawa Fire Department, which attended with two trucks. Ottawa Police K9 units Cindy and Nelson were also on site, engaging with families throughout the morning.

The event was organized with the support of Sgt. Stéphane Fournier and the Community Police Officers from East District, who have helped lead the initiative since its inception locally. Acting Chief Ferguson also attended and spent time with participants and their families.

The Beeping Eggs Project continues to grow as a community-driven event focused on inclusion, accessibility, and creating opportunities for all children to participate independently.