Westwood Villas HOA raises erosion and flood concerns over Farmer High Line Canal realignment

At the March 4 public comment period a representative of the Westwood Villas Homeowners Association told the Arvada City Council that proposed changes to the Farmer High Line Canal could threaten adjacent properties and infrastructure.

Lehi Clements, president of the Westwood Villas HOA, said the HOA’s 17‑acre, 135‑unit community sits directly downstream from the proposed canal realignment near the 5950 MacIntyre property. He told council members the canal’s natural bend has existed for more than 140 years and said concrete lining and realignment would increase flow speed and volume, worsening erosion and damaging driveways and sidewalks that have already needed replacement. "Who’s going to protect my community and the residential homes to the east? The city, the county, the canal company?" he asked.

Clements urged the city to require the developer to extend concrete lining to the bridge at West 60th Avenue or to install heavy riprap on the embankment face, and asked the city to coordinate with Adams County and the developer to protect downstream property and infrastructure. He cautioned that if 85% of the 40‑acre redevelopment is paved or lined with impervious surfaces, increased runoff during a 100‑year storm could flow to the canal and increase the risk to downstream residents.

No formal action was taken during public comment; city staff earlier in the meeting had described the North Trunk Sewer Improvement Project and other infrastructure items. The speaker asked the city to work with the county and developer to evaluate hydrology and embankment protections before the canal realignment proceeds.