Severe squashing of the floor joists in seven Fort McMurray condo buildings is the reason 168 units were evacuated around 11:30 p.m. Friday, says the complex's property manager.

Lorna MacNeil tells CTV an engineer returned to the Penhorwood buildings for some follow-up inspection after a survey done in March 2009. The inspection in January 2011 showed signs of rapid deterioration in the complex's foundation.

"What they had found was some of the TJI floor joists were crushed, some joists weren't lining up underneath the building with the foundation entirely."

MacNeil says there are other areas of concern as well, though she wouldn't elaborate. She admits the condo board may not find it cost-effective to fix the problems, even though the complex is just seven-years-old.

"Previous to this situation the Board had started to discuss the possibility of different options for repairs and the options that had come back were quite costly - not just pertaining to the structural deficiencies in the foundation, but also pertaining to other deficiencies within the property." she said.

Right now structural engineers are on site, tasked with finding a solution to the problems. Once they put their recommendations in writing, it's up to the property inspector to approve it.

MacNeil admits the estimated 300 residents won't be allowed to move back in anytime soon.

"I think when it comes to a deficiency of this nature, especially of buildings of this size, I would think it's going to take longer than a couple weeks," she said.

A meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, where officials say they will release a timeline for when people can go back into their units to retrieve their belongings.

In the interim, MacNeil says homeowners will need to go through their insurance agencies for compensation associated with lodging and food costs. She also advises homeowners to call management and verify their contact information so they can receive updates in a timely manner.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News, the affected condominium corporation had filed a lawsuit a few years ago against 24 defendants, including the Municipality of Wood Buffalo. It is still making its way through the court system.

Residents of Penhorwood Place requesting more information can contact the Fort Management Ltd. at 780-791-3948, during business hours. They can also refer to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo website by clicking here.