Question
We live in Ottawa, Canada.  We are looking for a shrub/vine/etc.. to provide cover to a 4 ft chain-link fence in our rear yard.  There is only 1-2 ft of horizontal space between the fence and the concrete walkway of our inground pool and the depth of the soil is only 1.5-2 ft.  The fence runs North-South and is in the shade from 1pm onwards from our neighbours house running parallel approx 4 feet from the fence.  Lenght of rence required to cover approx $40 feet.

Answer
Joseph,
There are several ways that you can go with this. You could use an espaliered shrub (one that is trained to grow flat along a wall) like Pyracantha, you could plant grasses such as false pampas grass (Erianthus ravennae)or Red switch grass (Panicum virgatum).
You could also plant Campus radians (Yellow trumpet vine) or Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchi' or Boston Ivy.
You could also plant Bamboo- there are seveeral varieties that are cold resistant, but be warned, Bamboo can spread out and will destroy concrete, asphalt and anything else in it's way.
I hope this helps.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen