He was a key player in the early development of the Toronto Transportation Commission and served as the transit operator's second General Manager, from 1924 until his death in 1938.
He was born in London, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Civil Engineering.
The next year he became Resident Engineer of the Railway and Bridge Section of the City of Toronto government Works Department.
Harvey was a well-liked and effective manager, who had excellent knowledge of the technical aspects of operating and maintaining a transit system.
He personally held several patents for transit equipment, including the design of a three-door trailer, pulled by Peter Witt-type motor cars, that significantly speeded up boarding times, compared to the two-door trailers that were previously operated.