Born in St. Marys, Ontario, Donnell moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1958 before publishing his first book. Poems (1961), During this period Donnell frequented the Bohemian Embassy, where Margaret Atwood, Gwendolyn MacEwen, Milton Acorn, and other poets established their reputations.
Donnell's early life was marked by his relocation from St. Marys, Ontario to Toronto, Ontario in 1958 before publishing his first book, Poems (1961). During this time, Donnell frequently interacted with notable poets at the Bohemian Embassy, including Margaret Atwood, Gwendolyn MacEwen, and Milton Acorn.