At least two hundred Fort McMurray residents are without a home after an engineering report indicated their building complex is structurally unsound.
Seven Penhorwood condo buildings were evacuated around 11 p.m. Friday, sending people from 168 units to stay with family and friends.
Neal Jones is angry with the way evacuations were conducted, saying police knocked on his door close to midnight and told him to get out right away.
"The whole thing was handled very unprofessionally – no forewarning whatsoever," he said. "Middle of the night, haul you off – terrible."
Residents were sent across the street for a debriefing that started at 2 a.m. Jones says he was further frustrated when little information was provided.
"It was a short meeting where basically they didn't tell us anything. We asked about the inspection, when the inspection is taking place, why it was deemed unfit. They basically wouldn't divulge any of that information."
A spokesperson with the municipality of Wood Buffalo says residents will be allowed back in once the proper authorities deem the building safe.
"The safety codes officer said that he will rescind the order when he does receive a report from a qualified professional engineer that the building does not present a risk any longer," said Tyran Ault.
"It's up to the Penhorwood Property Management Association to secure a structural engineer, which I am told they are in the process of doing so they can examine the building and then make any structural improvements."
Ault says the apartments were built in 2004 and there are no records of structural failures since that time.
Temporary shelter is being offered at a local gym across from the building, but no one required services Friday night. CTV is told some shift workers will need assistance finding a place to stay Saturday.
Residents requesting more information can contact the Penhorwood Property Management Association at 780-791-3948.
