People living in the east end of Timmins are vocal about the water quality in Porcupine Lake and it's caught the attention of the city's Mayor.

Brenda Torresan is a life-long resident in that part of Timmins and part of the Porcupine Lake Information Group. 

She remembers biking to go swimming in the lake, but not anymore.

"I'm going to tell you that if we should have this big summer beach party when it's 90 degrees outside and the beach is all packed, that most of the people would not go in the water." said Torresan.

But she has hope.

She is one of hundreds of people who belong to the information group, which is primarily a Facebook page, devoted to keeping people in the loop about the lake's water quality.

Timmins Mayor Steve Black also follows the page.

He recently met with local environment officials, who assure him the lake water is tested five days a week throughout the summer months.

"And in 2017, there was none of those samples that tested above the limit, so that in a case where it did test about the limits, they would put a posting at the beach advising against swimming. And there hasn't been any such posting at the beach since 2013, was the last time they had to post." said Black.

"Actually, we were pleased to hear the response and I know the public likely doesn't want to hear that unfortunately, but to know that the lake is safe for people to actually go in and for us to have the fish from it if we choose to. I know most of us won't use the lake or eat the fish, but ones that do, at least they will know they're safe." said Torresan.

She says plans are now underway for the Porcupine Lake Information Group to merge with the Friends of the Porcupine Watershed, an official non-profit organization.

Torresan says they'll work together on a strategic plan and it will give them greater access to government officials and funding, all in an effort to improve the health of the lake.