John Alexander MacDonell (November 22, 1854 – October 27, 1912) was a Canadian politician.Born in Dundas, Canada West, MacDonell was educated in Hamilton and Toronto. A civil engineer and contractor, he was Chief Clerk of the Manitoba Department of Public Works and Chief Engineer of Manitoba. At one time, he also was editor and owner of the Manitou Mercury; MacDonell also took part in the survey and construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.