It is believed to be named in honour of Archibald Harley, former Member of Parliament for Oxford South.

[2] Arnold Peters, a Member of Parliament from 1957 to 1980, was born in Uno Park.

Settlers arrived first by boat on the Wabi Creek and later on via the North Dymond and Harley Road (since 1937 known as Highway 11).

[2] Initially the land was covered with spruce, tamarack, cedar, and poplar, that supported a thriving lumber industry.

Having been cleared of most forests, Harley's main economic activity shifted to agriculture.