Petrie Island located on the Ottawa River in the city's east-end has high E. coli levels in the surrounding water, according to an Environment Canada report conducted last summer.
The island's shore is a popular attraction in summer months and is sometimes clustered by waste that includes condoms and syringes.
"I think what is in the report probably happens at all the beaches," Allen Tweddle, chairperson of a group called Friends of Petrie Island, told CTV News.
Paul Bryson, who visits the island year round, says swimming is not part of the island's summer attraction.
"I wouldn't go in the water. I just, I stay on the land. It's good for walking and all that," said Bryson.
In 2007, Petrie Island became one of the most open Ottawa beaches.
But even with E. coli in the water, Tweddle says other things will continue to attract people to the island.
"The swimming season is really only about 10 weeks long so it's not going to stop people from coming," said Tweddle. "On the other hand, on a hot day most people would like to go in and cool off. They should be able to when the water's suitable."
With a report from CTV's Norman Fetterley
