There is a yurt-shaped hole in the heart of Leslieville this winter.

A traditional round Mongolian tent usually stands outside The Ceili Cottage, at Queen and Leslie Sts., for the season, converting the 90-seat patio from a barren winter wasteland into a warm welcome.

“It’s used to celebrate winter because that’s what we have to deal with in Toronto,” said yurt owner and chef Patrick McMurray.

But a disagreement between McMurray and his landlord has left the restaurant out in the cold.

After three seasons hosting whiskey tastings, vinyl listening sessions, and holiday parties, landlord Sam Ragno spotted the structure and started asking questions.

Ragno told the Star the dispute was “too complicated” to go into detail but he suggested liability and regulations were part of the discussion.

Mario Angelucci, a deputy chief building official with the city of Toronto, called the issue a private dispute between landlord and tenant.

“From the city’s perspective, the yurt complied with the zoning bylaws, the use was fine, and it did not require a permit because of the size,” he said.

Ragno says it was not his decision whether to put the yurt up or not, because he doesn’t personally know all the rules.

“We tried. We did try,” Ragno said. “At the end, if (McMurray) put it up he has to be responsible.”

McMurray says he tracked down all the proper clearances, from insurance to liquor-licence concerns, but in the end Ragno wasn’t satisfied.

After months of back-and-forth, McMurray decided to forego the yurt this year in the interest of preserving his business relationship.

“I’d rather get a lease than get an explanation,” he said.

Almost 200 people have signed an online petition demanding the landlord allow the yurt to stand at The Ceili Cottage.

“We’re devastated. That’s a big hit for everyone,” said local councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon. Her office worked with McMurray and tried to appease concerns by speaking to city staff, ensuring the yurt was up to building and licensing standards.

“And all that, everyone jumping through the hoops . . . and then unfortunately Patrick’s landlord still did not agree,” she said.

She offered to speak with Ragno, along with city staff if necessary, to explain the city’s perspective and make a case for how well-loved the yurt is and how vital it can be for a local business, but says McMurray turned the offer down thinking it would be futile. Her offer still stands, she said.

“I’ll do anything. We want our yurt back,” she said. “It’s good it’s being used but we want it back.”

In the nomadic spirit of the tents, McMurray said, he lent it to friend Brad Long, chef and owner at Cafe Belong at the Evergreen Brick Works.

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The pair, along with another friend and a few beers, had the structure up at the Brick Works in five hours, down from a 14-hour installation the first year.

Long is developing a Mongolian-themed menu (think: stews and dumplings, he said), launching Friday for pub-style service and special events. Staying true to McMurray’s style, the yurt will still serve up his signature: oysters on the half shell.

“That’s not negotiable,” Long said.