Agnes Macphail was a committed public servant who was most notable for being the first woman Member of Parliament. She was elected under various progressive banners and served in the Commons from 1921 to 1940. For a time she lived at 2 Dongeall Dr. This is a duplex which is also known as 720 Millwood. In 1943 Ms Macphail was elected to the Ontario Legislature for the riding of York East. Thus she has more than a passing connection with the Leaside neighborhood, which was part of York East. The movement to give heritage status to the home at 2 Donegall has been widely supported by many local people. It is a well-intentioned effort to remember this feisty politician. A different view, however, would be that Agnes Macphail would be remembered more appropriately by the naming of a park or street in her honour. The designation of heritage status to a residence is carefully considered by City Council and correctly so. Leaside is an established neighborhood but the designation of heritage status to a residence introduces a static condition to a property. We think it would be better to honour Macphail in a way that is easier and more public.
